For adults 65 and older who are generally in good health, the exercise recommendation is at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week plus at least two days per week of strength exercises. If you have limiting health conditions and aren’t sure how to stay active the recommended amount of time, focus on simply keeping active as much as possible.
Senior physical activity helps you physically, mentally, and socially in many cases. It can improve your health in all areas for a better quality of life.
Check out these benefits of staying active while aging.
Weight Maintenance and Control
Your metabolism naturally slows down as you age. With a lower metabolism, staying at a healthy weight or losing weight becomes more difficult.
Exercise is an important part of maintaining your weight, and it can also help increase your metabolism. Muscle strengthening exercises can also help since lean muscle mass causes your body to naturally burn more calories.
Decreased Medical Conditions
As you age, you’ll likely notice more aches and pains. You might be diagnosed with new medical conditions the older you get, but you can take steps to prevent those conditions.
You can often prevent or delay many medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, with exercise. You might see improvements in medical conditions you already have with senior physical activity. Regular exercise can also help lower your blood pressure and control arthritis symptoms, such as joint swelling and pain.
Increased Flexibility and Coordination
Moving around becomes more difficult with age, especially if you have issues with your joints and muscles. Arthritis, which affects 22.7% of adults, can also affect mobility.
Exercise strengthens muscles and supports bone health to keep you stronger and more mobile. Stretching exercises help improve your flexibility, which also helps you move around better. You might notice improved coordination while keeping active.
These benefits make it easier to get around during your daily life. They can also help you better keep your balance, reducing the risk of falls that can have serious consequences.
Improved Mental Health
Staying active cranks up your endorphins, which help you feel happier, less stressed, and less anxious. Many people feel more confident as they get into a regular exercise routine. Exercise can also help you get the quality sleep you need, which helps you feel better and think more clearly.
Staying active while aging can also help your brain health. It can prevent a decline in brain function as you age, including things such as memory loss and dementia.
Opportunity to Socialize
Joining a senior exercise group, walking with friends, or other ways of working out with other people help you socialize while you exercise. Those social connections can cut down on the chances of depression, anxiety, and stress, which can help you feel better overall.
If you’re looking for a more supportive community for staying active, take a look at senior living communities that emphasize active lifestyles. They often help seniors stay active through the amenities, classes, and services they provide.
Keeping Active in Your Senior Years
Keeping active in your later years can improve your physical and mental health. It’s also a great way to connect with others.
Explore the rest of our health content for more useful information to keep yourself healthy.
