Should Our Elders Exercise Regularly?

Yes, it was just the other day, I met an elderly person of 90 years during my morning walk; I was astonishing by the brisk and straight way that he walked. In the course of our conversation I discovered that he baby sited his last grandson; he thanked God for his long life as he could be so helpful to his children. Surely, exercise benefitted elders also.  

We all know that exercise is good for us, but many elders doubt if they would really be able to exercise. My observation of the elder in the park and some others makes me feel that there is a lot to gain for elders to gain by exercising and lot to lose by not exercising. Exercise and remaining active have helped elders to delay and prevent diseases and disabilities that strike one in old age. Exercise also helps to feel more healthy and energetic with a feeling of wellness.  

Some physical health benefits of exercise:  

1) Exercise helps to increase the metabolism, build muscle mass and burn more calories to reach a healthy weight; also your overall wellness improves.

2) Exercise especially strength training helps elders to improve the strength, flexibility and posture of the body, helping in maintaining better balance, coordination, reducing the risk of falls and alleviating the chronic symptoms of arthritis.

3) It is exercise that helps to improve the immune function and bring about better heart health, bone density and functioning of the digestive system. It also lowers the blood pressure and combats risks of Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and colon cancer.

Some mental health benefits of exercise:  

1) Insomnia and poor quality of sleep is characteristic of old age; it is exercise that helps to improve the quality of sleep. Exercise not only improves the quality of sleep, but it also helps to fall asleep more quickly.

2) It is exercise that not only benefits the physical body, but also benefits the brain; exercise not only keeps the brain active, but also improves brain functions tremendously. With exercise you will be able to prevent memory loss, cognitive decline and dementia that are characteristic of old age; it has been also found that exercise slows down the progression of brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

3) Last, but most important it is right as someone said, “Exercise is the elixir of youth”; being active makes you feel more good and confident of yourself.  Most elders may find it hard to embark on an exercise schedule; however it is significant to understand that  exercise produces endorphins that helps boosts the mood and self confidence and self-esteem of elders.

So shouldn’t you as an elder exercise regularly?

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