Do you know the amazing benefits of physical training for the elderly? Exercise plays a significant role in promoting health and wellness in older adults. As the age progresses, bodily functions begin to decline and lead to health conditions such as poor muscle coordination, low bone mineral density, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many others. Exercise slows down the process of aging and increases muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility in older adults. There are many advantages of senior health care training such as
- Improves the balance and coordination
- Prevent the risk of injuries or falls
- Increase the bone mineral density
- Improve cognitive functions
- Helps in controlling diabetes mellitus
- Maintains the blood pressure
- Alleviates the anxiety and depression
Active lifestyle and regular physical activity reduce the risk of health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and osteoporosis. In old age, there are increased chances of the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of physical training for older adults.
Why Older Adults Should Do Regular Exercise and Physical Training?
There are many reasons for older adults to do exercise and physical training. Physical training prevents older adults from repetitive falls and risk of fractures. Besides this, it helps in improving the overall physical and mental health of older adults. Here are the 16 benefits of regular physical training for the elderly.
- Can Independently Perform ADL’s
Older adults should perform regular physical training such as aerobics, Pilates, strength training, yoga, Tai Chi, and resistance training to regain their muscle strength, power, endurance, and flexibility. An older adult with an active lifestyle and regular physical training can independently perform his daily life activities such as eating, walking, sitting, grooming, stair climbing, bathing, toileting, and bed transfer. An exercise regimen is vital for older adults to live independently.
- Promote Cardiovascular Health
In older adults, regular physical activity prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction. Exercise plays a significant role in controlling high blood pressure and hypertension. Long-standing high blood pressure can lead to the development of stroke which is a life-threatening situation.
- Improves the Cognitive Functions
In older age, there is a decline in cognitive functions which leads to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder in which there is atrophy of the brain cells resulting in cognitive impairment and memory loss. Exercise has been proven to improve the cognitive abilities of older adults and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Alleviate the Anxiety and Depression
In old age, many people experience social withdrawal due to any disability or illness. This can lead to the development of anxiety and depression. Exercise plays a major role in reducing anxiety and stress to a significant level.
- Increases the Flexibility
In older adults, the joint cartilage degenerates which lead to wear and tear in the joint and the surrounding tissues. Older adults over age 50 are prone to the development of osteoarthritis which causes joint stiffness, joint pain, swelling, and reduced flexibility. Aging is an inevitable process so we can’t reverse the age-related changes. But exercise reduces the degenerative changes in the joint and improves the symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Improves the Strength and Endurance
In older age, the body mass decreases resulting in atrophy of the muscle. A sedentary lifestyle is a major reason for the decline in body mass and bone mineral density. That’s why the seniors are encouraged to participate in resistance training to prevent a reduction in bone mass and atrophy in the muscles. Resistance training helps in improving muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. Older adults who perform regular physical training can independently perform the activities of daily living.
- Improves the Bone Mineral Density and Prevent Osteoporosis
In older age, the osteoclastic activity exceeds the osteoblastic activity which leads to the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can occur as a result of bone mineral deficiency and results in bone weakening and fractures in older adults. However, resistance training in older adults helps in bone strengthening and preventing osteoporosis. Older adults should participate in regular physical training to prevent bone weakening and repetitive fractures.
- Prevent Falls and Fractures
As the age progresses, a reduction in muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination take place which leads to an increased risk of fall or fractures in older adults. However, resistance training and strength training have been proven beneficial in bone and muscle strengthening. Fracture is a common problem in older adults because they have weak bones with reduced bone minerals. Repetitive fractures result in recurrent hospitalization in older adults.
- Promotes Physical Activity
Most people experience social withdrawal and isolation in old age which leads to the development of health problems. Therefore, older adults need to participate in exercise training programs to restore their strength and fitness. Older adults should actively participate in physical training programs to stay connected with other people in society.
- . Helps with Weight Loss
Most older adults have a sedentary life which contributes to obesity, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and heart problems. In older adults, exercise plays a crucial role in controlling blood pressure and weight loss. Besides this, exercise reduces the incidence of myocardial infarction in older adults.
- Improves the Sleeping Pattern
In older age, adults experience insomnia due to chronic health conditions such as respiratory problems, joint pain, anxiety, and other health problems. According to reports, exercise improves the sleep cycle to a significant extent. Older adults who take part in regular physical activity experience better sleep than those who don’t. Moreover, exercise promotes physical and mental health and wellness in older adults.
- Increases Confidence
Older adults experience a lack of confidence and self-esteem due to physical limitation, injury, or any disability. Exercise and active lifestyle help in regaining their confidence and self-esteem. Moreover, it enhances a positive body image in elderly people.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, inactivity and sedentary lifestyle are the major reasons for decline in the bone mass and muscular weaker. Older adults are susceptible to falls and fractures due to poor balance and coordination. Therefore, exercise is essential to maintain their physical and mental well being especially in the elderly.
