For many seniors, exercise is a social event. For example, just walking offers a chance to catch up on exercise and the latest social news. Water aerobics gives the senior a chance to connect with their peers. These opportunities provide accountability and support to stay motivated and engaged.
Exercise Improves Mood
Exercising releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and help reduce feelings of depression. If your senior loved one is suffering from mood swings or depression, exercise could help provide a great deal of support and redirect negative thoughts.
Exercise Improves Strength and Mobility
Seniors who are inactive most of the time can suffer from atrophied muscles, difficulty breathing and walking, poor balance and blood flow, plus other common physical issues. Even just getting off the couch and moving can help with these issues.
Seniors using weights in a retirement home
Exercise Increases Mental Capacity
Physical activity has been directly linked to slowing mental decline. When physically active, every part of the body, including the brain, gets more blood flow. Blood flow encourages cell growth. By encouraging your loved one to stay active, you’re encouraging better mental health and improved cognitive functioning.
Exercise Speeds Healing
Healing takes longer as we age, but exercise can help speed the process up. Active seniors who exercise heal up to 25 percent faster than those who don’t. Starting an exercise program now, before a problem occurs, may allow your family member or loved one to benefit from improved healing and a faster recovery.
