Real Life Fitness and Health

Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that “About 28 percent to 34 percent of adults aged 65 to 74 and 35 percent to 44 percent of adults ages 75 or older are inactive, meaning they engage in no leisure-time physical activity.”

A regular exercise routine can help seniors avoid chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer disease, high blood pressure and heart disease . The CDC Report also stated that “Only 13 percent of individuals between ages 65 and 74 reported engaging in vigorous physical activity for 20 minutes 3 or more days per week, and only 6 percent of those 75 and older reported such exercise.”

Benefits Of Exercise For the Elderly

• Better quality of sleep. Those who perform regular exercise sleep more easily and deeply.
• Greater social interaction. Joining a fitness class or gym is a great way of meeting new people. A 10 minute walk with a friend helps with stress relief.
• Release of natural endorphins. Exercise helps release endorphins which make people feel more contented and happier.
• Prevention of Alzheimer disease and dementia. Exercise improves brain functionality and helps combat diseases. It also assists with fighting forms of depression.
• Weight loss. Regular activity for the elderly helps reduce excess weight, especially if done in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet.
• Assists joints. Building the muscles around certain joints is an important seniors exercise. For example, building the muscles around the knee through leg extensions helps prevent joints being worn away.
• Immunity to viruses and infections. The body is better placed to fight off sickness so recovery time is reduced.