Exercise is defined as an activity requiring physical effort, carried out especially to sustain or improve health and fitness. In fact, the loss of strength and stamina due to aging is partly caused by an absence of or reduced physical activity. The primary reason why older adults become hospitalized is because of falls due to lower body extremity weakness. Preserving muscle strength is very important in the elderly population which can be executed with dancing, physical therapy and horticulture therapies like gardening and yard work. There are a plethora of benefits that exercise provides older adults including:
Exercise helps provide a speedy recovery from injuries.
For patients who may be recovering from an injury or a surgery, exercise can be a powerful tool to getting them back to feeling better. A very common injury spot for older adults is in the rotator cuffs especially after a surgery or injury. VeryWellHealth found that, “Working to keep your rotator cuff muscles strong can help you possibly avoid…. problems with your shoulders.” For more information about if exercise can help you with your condition, contact your primary care doctor for recommendations.
Exercise helps you feel better after illnesses.
In addition to injuries, exercise can also help in the remedy of certain chronic diseases and illnesses. Mayoclinic mentions that, “If you have a chronic disease — such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or back or joint pain — exercise can have important health benefits.” Exercise helps to promote the rapid circulation of white blood cells in the body to help assist in detecting and fighting diseases earlier than they might have before. So, remember that a trip to the gym a day may help keep the doctor away.
Exercise helps your mood.
Exercise is proven to improve mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. The increase of hormones in the brain alleviates the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. According to Healthline, “The effects of exercise on mood are so powerful that choosing to exercise (or not) makes a difference.” Daily physical exercise is vital to maintaining a healthy mental state.
Exercise is good for your muscles and bones.
Exercise helps build a strong skeletal system in your body. Like muscles, bones are living tissues that get stronger when you exercise. Exercising promotes muscle strength, hand-eye coordination and balance, which play a key role in preventing falls. Healthline notes that, “Exercise helps release hormones that promote the ability of your muscles to absorb amino acids.” As people get older, their muscle mass deteriorates leading to the eventual health decline of senior citizens.
At Spring Hills Senior Communities, we understand the importance of exercise in healthcare. In fact, our home care services branch is the only healthcare provider in the country that offers exercise as its leading service amenity. For more information, find a community near you.