The Effects of Exercise on Senior Minds and Bodies

As we get older, it is increasingly important for us to start taking better care of our minds and bodies. Without our keen attention, the attributes which make us who we are slowly begin to fall by the wayside, exchanged for mood-altering health issues, which wreak havoc on the quality of our lives. As most experts would agree, regular physical activity is incredibly important when it comes to shaping and maintaining a person’s overall health. Because of this, it is essential that we all know and understand the effects of exercise on senior minds and bodies.

Exercise Has Always Been a Staple for Good Health

The effects of exercise on a person’s health typically come as no surprise to anybody. After all, we have been told our entire lives that being active was vital. However, it wasn’t until recently that we clearly understood just how proper exercise can affect the mind and body of a senior citizen. Turns out, it is a lot more important and beneficial than we initially thought. With obesity rates on the rise and with over 70% of today’s seniors living a mostly sedentary lifestyle, getting proper exercise is now seen as even more essential to a person’s well-being.

Benefits of Proper Exercise on Senior Minds and Bodies

Aside from keeping a person generally healthy, the effects of exercise on seniors is backed by hard evidence. In fact, working out or being physically active as much as possible can extend the life expectancy of a senior citizen more efficiently than diet or medication alone. Older people are at a higher risk of developing numerous types of cancer, as well as Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic dysfunction, depression, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Proper exercise reduces these risks significantly and can prolong and even improve the quality of a senior citizen’s life.

How Much Exercise Should a Senior Be Getting?

Depending on a number of factors, senior citizens should be getting about 75 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. In addition, they should perform regular resistance training to improve and maintain their physical strength. The positive effects of exercise can really only be seen when a person gets active enough to trigger certain processes in the mind and body. Keep in mind that without enough activity, an aged person will most likely have a harder time concentrating on and remembering even the simplest details about everyday life. Talk to your doctor to structure a safe and effective workout plan.