We all know that exercise is super important for our health, but did you ever stop to think about the heart benefits as we grow older? It’s especially true of seniors. Even mild to moderate exercise in seniors can help them prevent stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It can also lower cholesterol levels and even help eliminate type 2 diabetes.
Here are some other benefits for seniors who get regular exercise:
Heart Health. Exercise strengthens all muscles, and the heart is one big muscle. A strong heart will take much less energy to pump the needed blood around the body. This is the biggest favor you do for your body to prevent heart disease.
Blood Vessels. Our blood vessels are flexible and as we age, exercise helps keep them that way. That promotes good blood flow and strong walls along the blood vessels and this helps prevent stroke.
Brain. Never do our brains need more blood flow as when we grow older. For seniors, this means more oxygen, healthier carotid arteries and less risk of stroke. It also helps keep memory sharp.
Weight. Exercise helps ALL of us lose unwanted pounds and seniors are no different! It helps to burn calories and speed up metabolism. This is crucial for seniors to stay as healthy as possible!
Smoking. Of course, if the person is smoking, they should take every measure to stop! Your doctor can help with a plan to do this. There are numerous studies that prove that smoking is dangerous at any age, but especially for seniors. It causes lung disease, makes breathing difficult, makes them more likely to develop pneumonia or COPD. Smoking makes exercise more difficult and it’s so crucial for seniors to stay as active as possible!
Remember, staying active doesn’t have to be hard! Just a brisk walk around the block can make a world of difference to our health!
For more information on how exercise can benefit the older adult in your life, please contact us today!
Home Helpers of San Ramon is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer's & dementia care, Parkinson's care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin, California.
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.