Exercise Benefits Seniors Regardless of Age

Research has shown over and over again that physical exercise is beneficial to older adults regardless of their age and health limitations. If you are an older adult who is already physically active, you may be helping to “prevent problems like a lower maximum heart rate, reduced muscle mass, bone loss, stiffened tendons and ligaments, and some joint or nerve problems.” Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

If you are an older adult with some health limitations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Heart Association offer some useful tips for safely benefiting from physical activity. Just remember, before you start any new exercise regimen, consult with your health care provider. Also while you may not be able to attain the recommended 150 minutes a week, experts say you should try to engage in as much physical activity as you can. 

Adjust the intensity of your physical activity to your fitness level, and find activities you can do all year round and enjoy. Walking is considered to be a good exercise for older adults as it can easily be adjusted to one’s fitness level by adjusting the length of the walk and pace. Also remember to wear comfortable clothing as well as properly fitting footwear. Walking with someone makes good sense for safety reasons and provides companionship. 

For seniors at risk of falling, it is important to do exercises to improve your balance. Most of the recommended exercises are easy-to-do at home and can be done daily. You will want to start any new activity slowly and increase your progress gradually. Another thing to remember is to drink plenty of water throughout the day and during your exercise activity. Keep in mind that as we age our thirst sensation diminishes, and by the time you feel thirsty, you may already be partially dehydrated. 

When MorningStar of Rio Rancho opens in the spring of 2019, we will offer the greater Albuquerque area a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Beautifully designed to meet our residents’ every need, Rio Rancho will offer a range of wellness programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual connection. Please visit our website for contact information. 

Please contact your healthcare provider before you start, change, or stop any type of physical activity or exercise.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Opening in spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho. 

Source:
secondscount.org/heart-resources/heart-resources-detail?cid=8ad2d089-64a5-4d99-940d-818a250c91a4&gclid=CjwKCAjw8uLcBRACEiwAaL6MSdJGtogzc3uJW1v0Cds9HDujMEoE1SvNRSc8klNZtAy9fhBasY4e9xoCc5YQAvD_BwE#.W5kePuhKiM9