Seniors frequently receive advice on how important it is to maintain their health as they age. A healthy diet and exercise are mentioned in every conversation for a good reason. A good understanding of your health is beneficial if you have questions about Medicare and are discussing what Medicare covers at doctor appointments. Here are five reasons to keep exercising in your senior years.
Boost cardiovascular health
Creating an exercise regime with a bit of cardio and strength training can improve your cardiovascular and overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Staying as active as possible can be the boost your cardiovascular system needs to live a better quality of life.
Improve balance and endurance
Seniors will receive warnings about being at a higher risk of falls the older they become. There are many suggestions for decreasing your chances of falling and developing an injury, and regular exercise is one of them.
Remaining active and doing specific exercises can improve your balance and coordination. Increasing your mobility and flexibility can protect you from a detrimental slip in the shower or random misstep, especially since the recovery time from a fall injury can be longer due to age.
Prevent disease
Preventing or delaying a disease is also an added benefit of incorporating exercise into your life. Older adults can reduce their risks of health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Working out can also prevent bone loss from occurring.
Even if you already have an illness or disease like arthritis, you can find value in physical activity. You can try many arthritis-friendly exercises that take it easy on the joints. Certain stretches and exercises can even help reduce body inflammation when doing them daily.
Enhance mental health and cognitive function
The benefits to your mental health are just as important as the physical ones you receive. Daily activity can improve your focus and mood. Exercise often gives people energy boosts over time and produces endorphins, a hormone that can provide you with stress relief and some happiness.
Exercise can also help you regulate your sleep and increase your quality of rest. Improved sleep helps your brain heal from the day and reduces the chances of declining cognitive function.
Social aspect
As you get older and reach retirement age, some seniors feel lonely, depressed, or without a sense of purpose. Exercise can help get rid of those sentiments. Finding ways to make exercise fun or connecting with other people makes it feel less of a chore and more of just how you’re spending your day.
Join a fitness class, start a gardening club, or walk around the neighborhood with friends and catch up with each other. It all helps to turn these health tasks into a fun activity that also produces benefits.
It’s all about priorities and habits
It can be hard to get going and make exercise a habit, especially if you live a sedentary lifestyle. Change your mindset of why you need to do physical activity and focus on what actions you think could be fun or engaging. Create a list of options and see which ones are doable and excite you. Before you know it, these additions to your life will become a part of your daily routine.
If you are unsure where to start or what exercise is safe for you, contact your doctor to discuss your concerns. All this advice is geared toward giving you a longer, healthier life you can enjoy in the ways you choose. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it might be worth checking to see if a free gym membership or discount is included in your policy. Starting is always the hardest hump to get over, but you get past it eventually.
