The benefits of exercise and staying active are well-known, but many people don’t realize that these activities are just as important in old age as they are at any other time in life. Research shows that exercise and physical activity can help improve the overall quality of life for seniors and reduce the risk of developing conditions like dementia, heart disease, and stroke. Even moderate physical activity levels can provide these benefits, so you need to stay as active as possible.
Here are reasons why exercising and staying active in old age matter:
Improves Mental Health
A recent study suggests a clear relationship between physical activity and mental health. The more active someone is, the less likely they will experience problems with their mental health. Being physically active may even be protective against developing conditions like depression and anxiety.
There are many reasons why exercise is this beneficial. Exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects. It also helps to improve self-esteem and body image, which can be important for those who struggle with conditions like depression and anxiety. Moreover, exercise can serve as an outlet for stress and frustration, providing a healthy way to cope with difficult emotions.
Better Physical Health
Physical health is not only about eating healthy foods and avoiding bad habits; it’s also about staying active. Exercise is an important part of physical health, and it does not mean spending hours at the gym or participating in high-intensity workouts. Any amount of exercise is better than none at all. Moderate-intensity aerobic activities such as brisk walking or cycling are excellent choices for improving overall health. And if you can find ways to be more active throughout your day, that’s even better. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from the store entrance, or doing household chores counts as physical activity!
Improved Cognitive Function
When it comes to our cognitive function, we must keep our minds active and engaged. One way to do this is by staying active and exercising regularly. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in several ways:
- Exercise releases chemicals in the brain associated with improved mood and cognitive function.
- Exercise helps to keep our brains healthy by promoting blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
- Exercise helps us learn new things and improves our memory.
So, if you want to keep your mind sharp, be sure to stay active and exercise regularly!
Staying Socially Active
It is no secret that exercise and staying active can positively impact our overall health. However, did you know that staying active can also help keep us socially active? According to research from Brigham Young University, physically active people are more likely to engage in social activities than those who are not.
This is because being active allows us to feel good about ourselves and helps us connect with others.
So if you’re looking for ways to stay socially active, consider staying active as well! Not only will you be doing your body a favor, but you’ll also be strengthening your relationships with the people around you.
