It’s Never Too Late to Benefit from Exercise

Too many seniors feel it is a waste of time to start exercising as it won’t do them any good and may actually harm them or that they cannot do it due to physical limitations.  In fact, the U.S. National Library of Medicine published a report that found about 67 percent of older adults are sedentary for at least 8.5 hours each day, which strongly suggests a need to improve activity levels for senior health.  Experts explain there are many unexpected benefits that can be gained from regular physical exercise regardless of your age or fitness level. 

One benefit as reported by the National Council for Medicine is exercise is one of the “most crucial options for arthritis management.”  In addition to lubricating the joints, it helps to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Regular exercise can also help seniors lose weight.  This is important as obesity is a risk factor for arthritis as well as type II diabetes and other medical conditions. 

Other studies seem to suggest exercise may lessen your chance of getting cancer including data that found women who perform moderate to regular exercise may “have shown a 30 to 40 percent reduction in breast cancer risk.”  Another study indicates exercise may also slow the effects of dementia.  It reported a “37 percent reduced risk and a 66 percent reduction in risk of dementia when older adults performed moderate-intensity exercise suggesting every adult ought to exercise to help lower the risk of mental decline and to help prevent mental disability later in life.”

MorningStar of Happy Valley also recognizes the importance of older adults living a healthy lifestyle.  When our assisted living and memory care community opens at the end of the year, we will offer an array of services and wellness programs along with healthy daily meals that are designed to ensure our residents’ comfort and wellbeing.  Please visit our website to learn more, or stop by our onsite Information Center.  

Please consult your health care provider before starting any new physical activity.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.