Getting older doesn’t mean that you have to slow down or become less active. In fact, it is even more important to lead an active, fit life as you get older. Taking exercise regularly will help to increase your energy level and keep symptoms of illness at bay. Exercise can help you to remain independent by caring for both your mind and body. You can improve your fitness level even if you are currently struggling with some health challenges. Read on to learn more about fitness for the over 50s.
Exercise and Aging
If exercise hasn’t been a part of your normal daily routine for most of your life, you may not be sure that you know how to start an exercise program. You may not even be sure that you are able to start exercising at this point in your life. However, age and illness don’t need to stop you from beginning an exercise routine; you stand to benefit from it even if you have some medical challenges to cope with.
There are plenty of ways that you increase your fitness level regardless of your age or mobility level. Exercise doesn’t have to mean running five miles or lifting heavy weights. There are plenty of simple ways that you can incorporate a bit of exercise into your day.
Benefits of Fitness For the Over 50s
Physical
- Exercise helps you lose weight. Many people gain weight as they get older and their metabolism slows down. It may take more exercise to maintain your regular weight as you get older, even if you haven’t changed your eating habits. When you exercise, you build muscle mass and speed up your metabolism. This means that when you exercise regularly, your body will be burning more calories all the time – not just while you are being active. This will help you to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Of course, maintaining a healthy weight is key to good health; many disease symptoms improve drastically when your body reaches a healthy weight.
- Exercise decreases the risk of disease. People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s. Regular exercise also helps to improve digestive functioning, immune functioning, and heart health.
- Exercise helps to improve mobility in older adults. As people get older, decreasing mobility can become a concern. Regular exercise makes you stronger, more flexible, more stable, and better balanced, all of which to help you remain mobile and independent and reduce the risk of falls.
Mental
- Exercise helps you sleep. Many people find that they have difficulty sleeping as they get older, but exercise will help you to fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
- Exercise improves mood. If you are feeling sad or depressed, taking a walk can be as effective at improving your mood as a prescription anti-depressant.
- Exercise improves your brain function. Exercise keeps both your body and your brain active, which can prevent memory loss and dementia and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Activities for Older Adults
Walking is the perfect exercise for older adults. You can do it anywhere, and the only equipment that you need is comfortable shoes.
Visit Foot Solutions to be fitted for a comfortable, supportive pair of walking shoes. We will measure your feet and help you find shoes that give you the support and stability that you need so that you can be more active. Stop in to Foot Solutions today, and you can be out for a walk in your new shoes before the day is over.
