Benefits of Physical Activity
Research
Studies show that light to moderate exercise is correlated with a more healthy and active lifestyle for elderly individuals. Regular exercise has also been shown to improvef brain function as well as cognition in some individuals. Although further research is needed to find specific exercises to benefit the elderly, simple weight-free exercise performances will suffice.
The human body goes through a natural aging process that causes functional and structural changes,reducing vitality and enhancing the appearance of diseases, being common alteration of the physical abilities. Fitness is very vital once you reach your later years in life it can help prevent many diseases and also help your body with functioning around the house. Moderate and even low intensity workouts can help maintain your strength as you get older slow the reduction down.
Being sedentary at an older age comes with risk factors that will eventually complicate life if not resulting to death. Sedentary behavior in older adults can be changed by incorporating simple life enhancing routines in day to day life. Being that it is estimated that older adults will be about 25% of the earth’s population this change is important. There is strong evidence for the benefits of physical activity for elderly people in preventing injuries and negative lifestyle behaviors. Physical activity can help prevent cancer mortality, cardiovascular mortality, falls, strokes, heart disease, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
2009 data shows that less than 50% of adults in the US were considered regularly active. Two factors contribute to a lack of motivation: loss interest and a self-conscious attitude. Self-Determination Theory states that one must be intrinsically (personally satisfied) and extrinsically (personal gain) motivated to achieve their goals.
Physical Activity for Elderly
Benefits include:
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Enhancement of existing cognitive function
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Maintenance of optimal cognitive function
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Prevention or delayed progression of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's dementia
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Improve bone density and decrease risk of osteoporosis
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Immune function
To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise
-Gene Tunney
How-To
References and links
My Channel
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Schulz, K., Gold, S. M., Witte, J., Bartsch, K., Lang, U. E., Hellweg, R., . . . Heesen, C. (2004). Impact of aerobic training on immune-endocrine parameters, neurotrophic factors, quality of life and coordinative function in multiple sclerosis. Journal of the Neurological Sciences,225(1-2), 11-18. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2004.06.009
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Coelho, F. G., Gobbi, S., Andreatto, C. A., Corazza, D. I., Pedroso, R. V., & Santos-Galduróz, R. F. (2013). Physical exercise modulates peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): A systematic review of experimental studies in the elderly. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 56(1), 10-15. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2012.06.003
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Carvalho, A., Rea, I. M., Parimon, T., & Cusack, B. J. (2014). Physical activity and cognitive function in individuals over 60 years of age: A systematic review. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 9, 661-682. doi:10.2147/CIA.S55520
Exercises
Remember to always warm up first! Take a brisk 2 minute walk or ride a stationary bike for 5 mintutes!