Getting older is not a BAD thing as some have purported it to be. In fact, with age comes ease and excellence. You have what is termed “crystallized knowledge”. So you’re able to keep doing what you do best even better in your late 50’s. If truth be told as you grow older, you have less stress, no fear and it goes without saying that exercise is very important to people of all ages, adults, teens, kids and even animals.
Lots of people believe that as one grows older, so we should take things easier, the benefits of exercising are endless and even more so for the elderly. Because it is hard to cope with change, retirement Is a big one for most elders, with lots of them receding into an inactive/dormant lifestyle. It is very important that you stay active as you age, a healthy mix of fun activities is balanced with a healthy mix of good nutrition, then you have cracked the formula for long life.
Let’s debunk some myths…
a. MYThs: Forgetfulness
Fact: As we grow older our overall wellness level drops because we begin to lose track of daily activities. Hence, we tend to forget things occasionally or even as serious as Amnesia. Thankfully this is not a definite sign of getting old. Because learning and recall can be done at any age.
b. Myth: The old are the sick
Fact: “Grandma is sick” or “ Grandpa is ill”. These phrases are familiar to us all, leading to the myth that when we grow old, we grow weak and brittle, but unfortunately this is very far from the truth, why? There are quite many adults elderly living a much more vigorous life than lots of young people. If you lead a life centred around fitness and wellness backed by good nutrition, it is safe to say you will stay fit in your golden years.
Benefits of Exercise for the elderly
a. Improved Mental Health/ Cognitive function – Studies has shown that people who exercise less might likely suffer from dementia later in life. Armed with this knowledge it is obvious that exercising is a required part of an older person’s routine.
b. Reduced risks of serious diseases like Heart, Tuberculosis, Diabetes, diseases. – because exercising according to health experts may delay or even prevent diseases like diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease, and Arthritis.
c. Improved social confidence – As you workout more regularly, and achieve your goals, you feel more at ease socializing with other people.
d. Live longer – According to health researches, living a dormant life is a leading cause of disability and even death among the elderly. Low-intensity sessions like brisk walking can go a long way to prevent this.
e. Reduced risk of falls – Exercises like walking, or even jogging can help to increase the density of the bones. Which will result in more agility and reducing the incidents of broken hips and fractures.
WRAP UP:
Exercising as an elderly person is an important part of the rest of your journey as an adult. Ensure to check out exercises that are beneficial to the elderly.
