As we age, it’s easy to succumb to the misconception that our bodies and minds inevitably decline. However, research proves that exercise can offset the physical and mental challenges that arise over time.
In fact, physical activity for adults and older adults can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 35%; with heart attacks and strokes often resulting in life-altering consequences, exercise can serve as a preventative intervention. Moreover, it can also reduce the likelihood of Type Two Diabetes by up to 40%1.
From a mental health standpoint, people over the age of 50 who exercise five times a week for only 20 minutes have a lower risk of depression; Statistics Canada3 shows that 44% of online seniors spend over five hours per week surfing the internet, so, 20 minutes2 of exercise per day seems as manageable as it does reasonable.
Ultimately, staying physically active is not just about maintaining physical health but also about nurturing mental well-being. So, let’s dive into some of the key benefits of exercise for seniors:
1. Boosting Moods & Cognitive Function
Regular exercise is a proven mood booster. It stimulates the release of endorphins (those feel-good chemicals in the brain that reduce feelings of stress and anxiety) while promoting a sense of well-being. With many seniors coping with retirement, loss of loved ones, and health issues, exercise can be a game-changer in maintaining a positive outlook on life – and it is a natural way to combat depression, loneliness, and the emotional toll of life changes.
Moreover, exercise has a remarkable impact on cognitive function4. A 13-year study involving 16,700 people between the ages of 54-75 found that weekly moderate physical activity increased people’s cognitive function on average by 5% for men and 14% for women. Furthermore, the combination of moderate and vigorous physical activity each week saw the positive effect on cognition increase even further, to 8% for men and 15% for women5.
Essentially, exercise is a potent tool in the prevention of cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease while also being associated with improved attention span, problem-solving skills, and creativity. For seniors, this means that staying active can lead to a sharper, more engaged mind, which in turn fosters a higher quality of life.
2. Managing Stress & Maximizing Socialization
Seniors, like people of all ages, deal with stress and being able to manage this effectively becomes increasingly important as we grow older. Exercise is ideal to do so as it reduces cortisol (the body’s production of stress hormones6) while increasing the release of serotonin (to help you regulate your mood, emotions, and overall well-being).
This not only helps alleviate stress but also improves sleep; with researchers estimating that between 40% and 70% of older adults7 have chronic sleep issues, this can have a profound impact on mental health and overall well-being.
On that note, you may be familiar with the expression “Early to bed and early to rise equals more energy to exercise and better socialize.”
Okay, we paraphrased again but only because social interaction is another crucial aspect of seniors’ mental health. Many seniors may find themselves feeling isolated, which can lead to depression and a decline in cognitive abilities, but exercise offers an excellent opportunity to break this cycle – whether it be through group fitness classes, walking clubs, or a casual stroll in the park to help create a sense of community and belonging.
3. Providing Purpose & Customized Treatment
In addition to immediate mental health benefits, regular exercise also contributes to a sense of purpose and accomplishment – and who doesn’t want to feel fulfilled?
Setting fitness goals, whether modest or ambitious, provides a reason to stay motivated and active. This sense of purpose can help combat feelings of inadequacy or loss of identity that can affect some seniors during retirement. Whether it’s reaching a certain number of steps per day or completing a yoga class, these achievements can provide a daily sense of satisfaction and empowerment.
For seniors who find exercising independently challenging, there are alternatives; in-home physiotherapy, with the tailored guidance and support of a qualified professional, can be the key to unlocking the aforementioned, and other, benefits of exercise. It provides a gentle nudge in the right direction, empowering seniors to take control of their health and happiness.
With that said, why wait any longer? Get in touch today to embrace a brighter, healthier future. Your golden years are worth investing in your well-being and it all starts with that first step – we’ll help you take the ones after that.
1. https://www.thecareworkerscharity.org.uk/blog/benefits-of-exercise-for-the-elderly/
2. https://www.health.com/daily-exercise-lower-depression-older-adults-7562240
3. https://www.richmedia.com/richideas/articles/aging-online-seniors-are-more-internet-savvy-than-you-realize
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9858649/
5. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/regular-exercise-can-improve-brain-function-by-up
6. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
7. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/aging-and-sleep#references-130667