Top 5 Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

It can be sad bearing witness to an individual who sinks into idleness, sitting around most of the time – and who declines because of it. If you’re caring for an older adult, or if you’re looking for ways to brighten your own golden years, incorporating physical exercise is one of the most stimulating activities for the elderly that we recommend. Below are the best benefits of having an active lifestyle for seniors, all adding up to an aging experience that’s enriched in every conceivable area.

Seniors who exercise routinely benefit greatly from:

1. A Sturdier Body

Regular movement is a key method for staying healthy, contributing vast gains to an aging body. They encompass strength, mobility, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility. A physical exercise regimen reduces blood pressure, poor circulation, breathing difficulties, atrophied muscles and arthritis pain. Exercisers also lessen their susceptibility to a variety of dangers – from bad falls, chronic conditions and illness and beyond.

2. Faster and Easier Healing

Although the healing process typically takes longer as we age, our research reveals that adults who exercise have wounds that heal at a rate as high as 25-percent quicker than adults who do not. Begin an exercise program immediately, before an incident hits home. By doing so, if an injury, a surgical procedure or another type of harmful event transpires, the advantages of advanced healing will already be well underway.

3. Increased Mental Capacity

Encouraging seniors to exercise doubly impacts – and expands – their minds. Physical activity stimulates blood flow to every part of the body, including the brain, and in turn, promotes healthy cell growth. It’s been directly linked to slowing the process of mental decline, demonstrating a positive effect on cognitive functioning, memory and mental health as a whole.

4. A Better, Brighter Mood

Know a senior who could use a little lift with looking on the bright side of life? Hint, hint: Exercise can help in that regard, too! As experts in senior care, we recommend reading up on how to identify the signs and symptoms of stress and other emotional challenges, and we frequently advocate physical activity among the essential healthy habits that can reduce them. Exercising releases those mood-boosting endorphins that help decrease feelings of depression as well as stress hormones – a fantastic, natural antidote to negative thoughts, mood swings and depression.

5. Engaging Social Connections

Amazingly, exercise can even expand a person’s social circle – a crucial necessity for seniors – and allow highly anticipated chances to catch up with companions. Relationships and Health top Stoney Brook’s “5 Pillars of Well-Being,” which we’ve implemented as benchmarks to guide us in nurturing thriving people and senior living communities. Combining and maximizing these two components, we provide daily opportunities for our residents to stay active both physically and socially. Older adults who exercise with their peers, like our residents, further appreciate the accountability, motivation and support doing so offers.

Try These Best Exercises for Seniors

Good news: Even the mildest, simplest activity can alleviate many issues and provide the kinds of benefits we listed. Whether they feature standing routines or chair exercises, popular fitness programs geared toward seniors can span a wide range of ability levels. Begin with lower-impact exercises for older adults, such as standing, stretching and moving around the rooms in their apartment or house. For a more advanced practice, integrate strength training and/or gym equipment. Working out is best when shared with a friend, and the more the merrier. Search for group fitness classes and clubs, like those for walking, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, Sit & Fit Aerobics and dance classes.

Trust a Central Texas Senior Living Leader

Renowned as an expert in assisted living and memory care, Stoney Brook designed its resort-style, Central Texas senior living communities to help residents flourish. At home in a fun, relationship-centered setting, they enjoy ample, energizing activities and rewarding opportunities to socialize. That means you or your loved one can age well – and savor each day to its absolute fullest.

Schedule a complimentary visit to meet us in person and understand our relationship-centered approach firsthand. Plus, discover more from Stoney Brook’s free, insightful resources, all devoted to helping seniors and their caregivers. Subscribe to our blog.