| Growing older shouldn't mean growing inactive - even | | | | severe the impact of a fall will be. |
| in old age it is very important to remain as active as | | | | Good examples of balance training: resistance training |
| physically possible. No matter what your age or | | | | with light weights, weight machines, resistance band |
| current state of health, exercising is a necessary and | | | | stretches |
| important part of healthy aging and as long as you are | | | | Besides the commonly espoused benefits of exercise, |
| not at a high risk for injury, most types of exercise will | | | | recent studies show that seniors who remain active |
| still be suitable for seniors, especially those who are | | | | after the age of 70 are less likely to experience |
| younger and/or have been physically active for most | | | | age-related declines in mental functioning. Many studies |
| of their lives. Even seniors with physical impairments | | | | have shown a strong correlation between physical |
| can keep active in order to remain healthy and happy. | | | | activity in old age and reduced mental impairment, but |
| Being inactive can cause elders to lose ground in four | | | | clearly it is important not just to be active but to remain |
| areas that are fundamental for staying healthy and | | | | active as we age. |
| independent: strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. | | | | Additionally, some studies have even shown that |
| Different exercises can help elderly citizens maintain | | | | exercise can reverse some of the effects that aging |
| and even restore a degree of functionality in these | | | | has on the brain's capacities by creating new brain |
| four key areas. | | | | cells - research is still underway in this area, but it is |
| There are multiple types and categories of physical | | | | possible that exercising could improve mental abilities in |
| exercise, each with its own benefits: | | | | seniors. |
| Cardiovascular: as the name indicates, cardiovascular | | | | The benefits of exercising extend far beyond the |
| exercises are good for your heart - they get the blood | | | | well-documented medical and health improvements - |
| pumping and increase your heart rate | | | | exercising can improve your ability to keep up with |
| Good examples of cardio exercise: swimming, walking, | | | | younger family members and grandchildren and can |
| light cycling, hiking, golf, water aerobics | | | | keep you more active in your community by increasing |
| Strength Training: improving the conditions of your | | | | your mobility and energy level. Whatever your reason |
| muscles and bones can make daily activities easier | | | | for staying active as you age, actives seniors will see |
| and keep you mobile longer | | | | varied benefits that positively impact all aspects of |
| Good example of strength training: tai chi, yoga, pilates, | | | | their life. |
| stretching often | | | | As with all health related concerns, consult a doctor |
| Balance Training: exercises in this category are | | | | before beginning an exercise regimen as they will be |
| particularly important for seniors are they can improve | | | | better equipped to recommend fitness routines and |
| muscle strength and prevent falls; additionally, the | | | | exercises that will suit your needs. |
| healthier and more physically fit your body, the less | | | | |