When you think about it, exercise is something we’re all guilty of neglecting at some point or another. It’s easy to get caught up in our day-to-day lives and push off working out until later. But according to a recent study, even the oldest age group is eligible for the same health benefits as younger people if they engage in regular exercise. In fact, the study found that people aged 85 and older who exercised for at least 30 minutes per day saw improvements in their cognitive function, mood, general well-being, and physical performance. If you’re feeling burnt out from your regular routine or just want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay healthy into old age, consider incorporating some form of exercise into your routine. You may be surprised at just how beneficial it can be.
The Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults
According to a study conducted by the University of Missouri, even older adults who don’t engage in regular exercise can still enjoy some health benefits. The study found that people aged 65 and older who participated in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) had a 22% lower risk of death from any cause, compared to those who did not participate in MVPA. Additionally, the study found that people aged 75 and older who engaged in MVPA had a 38% lower risk of death from any cause. These findings suggest that even seniors who don’t participate in vigorous activity can still enjoy significant health benefits by engaging in milder forms of activity on a regular basis.
Physical activity has many benefits for seniors, including reducing the risk of disease and improving overall well-being. Exercise can also help reduce frailty and improve cognitive function, according to the American Council on Exercise. In addition, it can help preserve bone density and increase flexibility. For seniors who are unable to participate in traditional exercise activities such as running or biking, MildExercise.com offers other options such as circuit training or dance classes that are easy to follow and provide similar health benefits.
How Much Exercise is Enough?
Exercise has been shown to improve overall health and extend life spans in a variety of species, including humans. A recent study by the University of Toronto found that even people over the age of 85 who were not overweight or physically inactive enjoyed a longer life expectancy if they exercised moderately. The study also found that people who exercised the most had the longest life span.
The researchers recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity. However, these amounts may vary depending on your age, sex, and BMI. If you are unable to exercise due to illness or injury, try to find activities that fit into your lifestyle such as walking, biking, swimming, or gardening.
The Types of Exercise Older Adults Should Do
There are many reasons to exercise for older adults, but one of the best is that it can extend life. A study published in The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences found that even those who are 85 and older can benefit from regular physical activity.
Physical activity has been linked with a decreased risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Studies have also shown that people who are physically active tend to have a longer life expectancy. According to the American Council on Exercise, even just 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day can help improve your overall health and reduce the risk of obesity and other chronic conditions.
If you’re an older adult and haven’t been exercising regularly, now is the time to start. There are many different types of exercises you can do to get started, so find something that interests you and give it a try!
When to Start Exercising
If you are aged 65 or older, you should start exercising regularly, even if you don’t feel like it, according to a new study published in The Journals of Gerontology. In the study, researchers looked at data from more than 10,000 people aged 65 and older. They found that people who exercised regularly lived an average of three years longer than those who didn’t exercise. Even though elderly people may not feel like they have the energy to exercise, starting small can help increase their chances of living a healthy life.
In order to start exercising and extend your life, try to find something you enjoy doing outside of your normal routine. This could be anything from walking around the block to playing a sport with friends or family. Once you have started exercising regularly, be sure to track your progress so you can see how much better your health is improving.
