“You’re only as old as you feel.”
While this quote is certainly cliché, there’s also a great deal of truth to it. Seniors who stay physically and mentally active tend to be more vibrant and healthier than those who don’t. Looking and feeling younger are excellent reasons to adopt a senior exercise regimen, but the benefits don’t stop there. Here are 5 more reasons why regular exercise is important at any age:
5 Reasons to Start a Senior Exercise Regimen
1. Disease Prevention and Better Immunity
Regular exercise helps ward off serious diseases like cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and more. It improves your immune function and decreases the amount of time it takes the body to heal from illness and infections. Seniors who exercise regularly also heal from wounds faster than those who do not.
2. Lower Risk of Falls
As you grow older, your risk of falling increases. Even worse, a fall often results in serious injury. Breaking a hip or other bone could rob you of your independence. A senior exercise regimen helps minimize this risk by improving your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
3. Improved Cognitive Function
After only a few weeks of exercise, the neurons in your brain start to increase. This helps improve memory and cognitive function. In fact, numerous studies have found regular physical exercise can help keep you from developing dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment.
4. Social Interaction
It’s important for seniors to have personal relationships and engage with others on a social level. Joining group fitness classes, walking clubs, and other fun group activities will help you meet new people who you’ll see on a regular basis.
Not only will your new social life decrease the chances of loneliness and depression, it can also make exercise feel like fun, instead of like a chore.
5. Better Quality of Life and Increased Longevity
A senior exercise regimen improves quality of life in many ways. Each time you exercise, your body creates “feel good” hormones called endorphins. These boost your mood and help combat stress. Regular exercise can also help you sleep longer and with fewer interruptions.
The health benefits of exercise have been shown to increase longevity and will help you enjoy a fulfilling and independent life for many years.
Start Your Fitness Journey at the Y!
Are you ready to start living a healthy, active lifestyle? The Y offers the perfect setting for a senior exercise regimen. In addition to club access, you'll also have access to group fitness classes, club activities, and off-site field trips. Contact us today or stop by one of our 4 locations to learn more and get started.