This article was contributed by Naomi Cook
Ageing is inevitable, and there is no escaping it. As you get older, there are a plethora of changes that come with it. These changes can only make maintaining good health a challenge. However, maintaining good physical and mental health can greatly impact your quality of life.
Several health benefits are associated with exercise, even for over-60s. First, regular physical activities and exercise are the best way to improve your physical and mental health, which is a great way to retain your independence as you age. If you want a more relaxing way to do cardio, going to parks may provide a calming and more freeing workout. Visit AreaGuides for the nearest parks and establishments that will help you achieve your goals!
While some of the changes that come with old age may be out of your control, you can take a few steps to help improve your physical and mental health. This article will list the benefits you can get from cardio exercise as an individual in later life.
Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Frequent exercises and physical activities reduce the risk of heart disease, improving your cardiovascular health. In your exercise routine, you can add a mix of strength training and cardio to help boost your energy levels, improving your overall heart health.
However, if you have hereditary heart conditions or underlying issues like hyperhidrosis, exercising will not eliminate them. It will, however, help you stay active and improve your quality of life.
Improves Social Engagement
You can easily turn exercise into a fun social event by engaging with several people. This is possible through gardening clubs, group walks, or fitness classes. In addition, as you age, strong social ties are vital to maintaining a sense of purpose.
Furthermore, the sense of belonging can also help reduce the risk of depression of loneliness. All you need to do is find an exercise you enjoy doing. In the company of friends, it won’t feel like a chore at all.
Elevates Mental Health
The mental health benefits that come with exercise are vast. When you get into exercise, the pituitary glands and hypothalamus in your brain produce the “feel good” hormone: endorphins. This hormone relieves stress, leaving your body and mind satisfied and happy.
Additionally, regular exercise also improves sleep, and sleep is essential for ageing adults as many suffer from insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. You can do exercise 2 to 3 hours before bed, burning off excess energy and improving your chances of sleeping through the night and waking up refreshed.
Exercise Reduces Hypertension
Many over-60s have underlying hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. You may rely on medication and regular appointments to stay on top of it. However, you can change this. Exercise has been medically proven to lower blood pressure.
All you need to do is add at least 30 minutes of moderate cardio or aerobic exercise to your day. This will not only lower your blood pressure, but it will also decrease your risk of cardiovascular problems and reduce stress.
Exercise Increases Bone Health and Reduces the Risk of Falls
Over-60s are at increased risk of falls and can be serious. For ageing people, the injuries caused by falls can be life-changing, especially if they break bones. It is natural for the strength and density of your bones to reduce as you age, though conditions such as osteoporosis can make this worse.
Regular cardio exercises will help you stay active and balanced, preventing falls. As you exercise, you build up muscle mass, as well as improving your bone health. For further reassurance, you can take a bone density test to check for signs of osteoporosis.
Manages Body Weight
As you age, your metabolism slows down; it’s a natural process that increases the need and importance of regular exercise. Incorporating strength and cardio training into your routine exercise will help develop your muscle mass and improve your metabolism.
With an increased metabolism, your body will manage to burn excess fats and calories more efficiently. This will help you achieve a healthy weight and body.
Improves Cognitive Function
Your cognitive functions and motor skills tend to decrease as you get older. Physical activities and exercise will help boost them for you. According to research, regular exercise in over-60s helps to lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Furthermore, you will experience additional benefits if you maintain a regular exercise routine. A routine helps you to remain focused, increasing your chances of leading a healthy, higher quality life with plenty of energy. Soon enough, you could be performing chores around the house without needing any help or experiencing pain afterwards.
Get Fit and Healthy
Reaching old age doesn’t mean you have to let yourself go and forget about self-care or an active lifestyle. On the contrary, it gives you more free time to spend keeping your body in good shape. Remember, your body may be more fragile, but it is still possible to engage in healthy activities. Be sure to work with your doctor or a physical therapist to develop a fitness plan suited to your age and limitations.
Exercise Safely with LifeConnect24
As aforementioned, it is important to be mindful of your limits when exercising. Fortunately, a personal alarm from LifeConnect24 can provide additional peace of mind and help you retain your independence. It is an especially helpful device for anyone who is worried about falls or feeling unwell. When help is required, you simply press the button on your alarm pendant or base unit and our professional 24/7 Response Team will arrange support on your behalf.
To find out more about the LifeConnect24 alarm service, read our detailed guide or call our friendly team on 0800 999 0400.
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