Staying active as you age is one of the keys to being healthy. Regular physical activity has numerous mental and physical health benefits. At Arizona Homestead, we try to encourage our residents to do something active each day. Read on for the health benefits of being active for older adults.
Improves Immune System
The immune system naturally weakens with age. One thing that you can do to help maintain a strong immune system is exercise regularly. Getting regular exercise will help your body ward off diseases. Staying active also decreases the risk of some of the most common diseases that affect older adults, like diabetes and heart disease.
Boosts Mental Health
Exercise releases endorphins, like serotonin, which help lift your mood and improve mental health. One of the biggest perks of being active is a boost to your mood. Even just getting up and walking for 20 minutes can provide a jolt of much-needed happiness.
Exercise also boosts mental health by improving self-esteem. Not only does regular exercise help you look your best, but it also fosters a feeling of accomplishment.
Sharpens Cognitive Functions
Regular exercise not only reduces your risk for various physical diseases—it also helps to reduce your risk for mental and memory disorders as well. Getting regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, getting regular exercise can reduce your chance of dementia by 30% and Alzheimer’s by 45%.
Provides Opportunities To Socialize
Being active gives older people opportunities to socialize. Taking a walk with a friend or signing up for a water aerobics class gives seniors a chance to chat with others while staying healthy. Group fitness, in particular, is a fantastic way to bond with other residents. Team sports like tennis are also great for camaraderie as well as health benefits.
Promotes Better Sleep
Many older adults are affected by insomnia and sleep disorders. If you’re having trouble sleeping, the cause could be a lack of regular physical activity. When you move your body for 20-30 minutes per day, you can increase your quality of sleep. Expending energy throughout the day will help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
Gives You Stronger Bones
Staying active and exercising will help keep your bone density up. This is very important as you get older. In particular, keeping your bones healthy and strong will be beneficial for you in case of a fall.
Here at Arizona Homestead, we understand that everyone’s activity level is different. We take a personalized approach to making sure each of our residents has access to the types of physical activities they desire. Please give us a call at (520) 245-7881 to learn more about our care methods and assisted living homes.