Finding the best exercises for older people is not an easy thing to do. This is because their physical bodies are not as strong as they used to be when they were young.
However, health professionals clarified that exercise is important for older individuals just as they are important to youngsters. They explained that exercising daily becomes more valuable as people age.
However, exercise routines are different for aging people. If you're already getting old or have family members who are already senior citizens, here's what you need to know.
Before doing any exercise, aging people need to know certain guidelines to ensure their safety. Via CNET, Kevin Robinson, DSc, a professor of orthopedics and kinesiology, shared some workout guidelines that old people can follow:
- Always do stretching, as well as balancing exercises, before doing workout routines or other physical activities.
- Try focusing on minimal-impact workouts, such as ellipticals, water exercises, recumbent stationary bikes, etc.
- Try doing exercises that focus on certain muscle groups (Ex. biceps, abdominals, gluteals, quadriceps, etc.)
Always know your limit before doing your workout routines.
Now that you know the exercise guidelines that older people should follow, here are some workout recommendations provided by the CDC:
- Moderate Cardio Exercises: Walking and water exercise (for people with arthritis).
- Light Strength Routines: Workouts that involve functional movements, such as resistance band training, kneeling push-ups, yoga, etc.
- Balance-Focused Exercises: Standing in front of the counter and then letting go to see how long you can balance your body is a good example. Yoga can also be an exercise to improve your balance.
Senior Lifestyle provided the main benefits of exercise to older people. These include the following:
Independence
Regularly exercising can give older people independence. This means that they can still do regular physical tasks without too much assistance from family members or caretakers.
Prevent Diseases
Having an active lifestyle can also protect older people from diseases, such as depression, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart complications.
Balance
Since workout routines can improve aging people's balance, they can avoid serious injuries that can lead to life-threatening situations.
Energy
Just like in young people, physical exercises can also boost the energy of older individuals. They can even improve their mood, promote healthy sleep, and offer other wellness benefits.
Brain Improvement
Health experts said that the mind and body are closely linked. This means that if your body is healthy, then your cognitive health will also be in good shape.
