The Benefits of Exercise for Mature Adults

We all know that physical activity and regular exercise is good for us.  In fact, even light or moderate activity can be the healthiest thing you can do for yourself even as an older adult.  Regular physical activity is important to the physical and mental health of healthy mature adults.  The National institute for Heath suggests therefore that older adults should aim to be as active as possible.  Let’s look at the overall benefits of exercise for mature adults as we age.

• Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight.  – As we age our metabolism naturally slows, and  maintaining a healthy weight gets harder with each passing year.  Exercise, even light activity, helps boost metabolism so your body can hold on to a healthy weight. A healthy weight improves overall wellness.
• Exercise for balance and muscle control. – Without exercise seniors risk losing core muscle strength.  Bones can become brittle.  Health experts agree that elasticity in our connective tissues – muscles, tendons, and ligaments, – slacken without exercise and may cause weakness in balance and coordination.
• Exercise is a mood booster! – Exercise can lift one’s spirit and outlook on life.  Our moods can be affected when we wake with aches and pains.  Those aches and pains can be reduced or even disappear with regular exercise.  The body releases endorphins that make you feel capable and enhance your overall mood.
• Exercise is a heart strengthener!  – One critical component of aging is heart health.  Regular activity keeps the heart muscle in shape and can ward off common cardiac problems.
• Exercise to improve sleep!  Poor sleep does not have to be an automatic consequence of aging and quality sleep is important for overall health.  Exercise often improves sleep and allows us to sleep more deeply.

Many seniors are reluctant to exercise claiming that physical activity may harm them or they may get hurt during the activity.  It is therefore advisable to consult your doctor for a check-up before starting a new exercise.  Your doctor will be able to suggest the level and types of exercises and activities that will be a benefit for you while maintaining your safety.  You may even find that after a few weeks even a walking, swimming  or gardening routine will boost not only your health but your mood as well.

To your health.

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