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Movement, healthy eating, prevention – these are key elements that should accompany us throughout our lives. Is this really the case?
More and more research shows that regular exercise has a huge (positive!) impact on the lives of seniors. While physical fitness has benefits at any age, the health benefits that fit seniors enjoy are more noticeable. Doctors and researchers agree that seniors should stay active as long as possible because it will help them live longer, healthier, and more joyful lives!
What benefits does exercise have for older people?
They improve balance, give you more energy, help prevent and counteract diseases (including heart disease, osteoporosis, depression and diabetes), and improve brain function (a study conducted by the Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation showed that regular exercise reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia by almost 50% [1] ).
Now to the point – what exercises can seniors do?
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Nordic Walking for Seniors
Walking with poles is one of the most popular activities for seniors. The advantages of this type of training include safety (support), the opportunity to meet other Nordic walking enthusiasts, contact with nature, a sense of fitness and independence. It is also an excellent exercise for the whole body. Age does not play a role here, and there is no specific pace of walking (everyone can adjust it to themselves and their abilities). Nordic walking can be practiced all year round, regardless of the weather or pandemic restrictions.
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Aqua aerobics for seniors
That is, exercises performed in water that do not require swimming skills. During training, seniors can improve their well-being, strengthen individual muscle groups, increase their overall physical fitness, improve coordination of movements (by increasing the mobility of peripheral joints) and the spine, increase endurance to effort, and also improve the body's efficiency. It is worth noting that exercises performed in water are ideal for people suffering from arthritis and other forms of joint pain.
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Yoga for seniors
Classes tailored specifically to the abilities and needs of seniors. They do not require special skills or impeccable physical condition. Yoga improves muscle strength, mobility, balance and flexibility, which are key health aspects for seniors.
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Resistance band exercises for seniors
This form of training is becoming increasingly popular among seniors due to its relatively low initial cost. What's more, resistance band training is ideal for home workouts! These exercises not only improve posture, but also joint mobility and flexibility, and strengthen all muscle groups.
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Pilates for seniors
In Pilates exercises, special emphasis is placed on maintaining balance, movement control (including continuity and precision) and proper breathing. For seniors, Pilates helps strengthen muscles, increase body flexibility, improve coordination, reduce spine and joint pain, as well as relaxation and rest. It is worth mentioning that Pilates performed in a group prevents isolation and allows you to make new friends.
Sources:
[1] https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/preventing-alzheimers-disease.htm
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