As we age, it is of utmost importance to stay active and healthy. Our bodies change as we get older and it is essential that the aging and elderly should move about and get the exercise they need to stay healthy.
It is imperative that older adults and seniors have a proper diet and exercise as much as they can. Studies show that exercising can improve circulation, strengthen the heart and bones, aid to prevent various forms of cancer, and help to avoid dementia.
The importance of exercise for older adults
Older adults should get proper exercise and stay active to maintain their physical health, mental sharpness, and mobility. Exercise can help to prevent or delay certain illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
Walking, running, swimming, and strength training for at least thirty minutes every day can help older adults keep up their muscle strength. It can also contribute to their physical independence and ability to handle daily tasks on their own. Increased energy levels and elevated moods are some other benefits.
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Older women and exercise : This article explains the importance of exercise for older women.
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Benefits of exercise: A video guide with added information that can show the many benefits of exercising for older adults.
Eating healthy
Aside from exercise, a proper diet is also essential for a healthy life—this applies to children, middle-aged people, and older adults as well. As the human body ages, dietary needs may change.
High-fiber diets are important for older adults as well as increasing calcium to achieve sufficient levels, particularly for women.
Diets low in sugar and processed foods can help to decrease the risk of diabetes or heart disease and keep cholesterol levels low. See a nutritionist or talk to your doctor about some healthy eating guidelines.
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Tips for healthy eating: Some easy to follow tips on eating healthy as an older adult.
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Nutrition and aging: Facts about the body’s needs for nutrition as we age.
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Healthy eating for older adults: Some quick and simple tips for healthy eating in older adults.
Tips to make exercising fun
Many people often complain that they do not exercise because it is boring. The best way to work around this problem is to try and find a buddy to exercise with you.
Organize a neighborhood walking group or just find a friend who might like to take daily walks with you. You may also join your local senior center or YMCA nearby and take lessons in swimming or participate in group exercises such as aerobics. An exercise program on tape or video can also help make your workout session entertaining and efficient in the process.
You could also opt to buy home exercise equipment making things convenient where you can watch television while you work out. Allowing yourself to come up with ways to add variety to your daily exercise routine is positively encouraged, so your workouts remain fresh and exciting.
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Choosing the right exercise: Information provided allows you to find out more about different types of exercises to see which ones fit your style.
At-home exercises
Exercise does not have to be done within the confines of the gym or in your neighborhood. There are endless ways you can stay physically fit in the convenience of your home. Exercise videos designed for older adults can be purchased and viewed on your home media system.
Some simple forms of exercise like stretching can be done daily at home, whenever you wish. There are numerous things you can do at home to stay active like gardening or doing other chores to help keep your body moving and working out.
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10 at home exercises: Here is a list of 10 simple exercises you can perform at home without any equipment.
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Exercise and seniors: Informative website with some at-home exercises for seniors.
Where to exercise
There are many different places older adults can do their exercise. Often, changing your environment can help make things much less routine and add a bit of excitement to your daily regimen.
Public pools are a great place to do water aerobics or swim some laps. Your local park is a great place to take a nice walk with friends. Many localities have fitness classes designed especially for older adults, so look into these as well.
No matter where you choose to exercise, it’s important that you try to do this at least three times per week for about half an hour each time. Writing down a few great and engaging places where you could go exercise is a worthwhile exercise in itself.
Going out to those places and getting your needed body and mental conditioning is all the more beneficial to your well-being.
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Walking trail finder: Use this guide to help you find a good walking trail in your area.
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Senior circuit swimming: Example of a quality swimming group that you may find in your home state.
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Dancing centers: Find senior dances in your area, such as these groups that offer several dates and times.
Staying active and eating right can help people live longer and healthier lives. By exercising with a friend or attending a fitness class, many older adults find it’s much easier to stick to a plan.
Performing simple exercises at home can also help keep muscles and bones strong. Older adults should remember the importance of exercise in its many forms and make sure to have it as part of their daily routine.
