The benefits of “ACTIVE AGEING”- This is Exercise Right Week
Exercise Right Week being held 20 – 26 May 2019 is all about encouraging all Australians to
“Move More and Age Better!”
Everyone should exercise regularly throughout all stages of life.
Regular physical activity has shown to result in a variety of benefits for your health and wellbeing.
Below we highlight just some of the benefits of keeping active as you age:
Reduces the risk and impact of chronic diseases
Regular exercise can reduce the impact of illness and chronic disease. People who exercise tend to have improved immune and digestive functioning, better blood pressure and bone density, and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
Less falls
Exercise enhances mobility, flexibility, and balance. Exercise improves your strength, flexibility and posture, which in turn will help with balance, coordination, and reducing the risk of falls. Strength training also helps alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Builds Muscle
The amount and size of muscle fibres decreases with age. Some studies suggest that the average body loses around 3kg of lean muscle every decade from middle age. Muscle mass can increase in an older person after regularly exercising for a relatively short period of time.
Enhances joint mobility
The joints of the body require regular movement to remain supple and healthy. In particular, people with arthritis can benefit from aerobic and strengthening exercise programs.
Improves sleep
Quality sleep is vital for your overall health. As people age, they tend to have a harder time falling asleep and more trouble staying asleep than when they were younger. Regular activity can help you fall asleep more quickly, sleep more deeply, and wake feeling more energetic and refreshed.
Boosts mood and self-confidence
Exercise is a huge stress reliever and the endorphins produced can actually help reduce feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety. Being active and feeling strong naturally helps you feel more self-confident and independent and able to enjoy a higher quality of life.
Need help with your active aging plan?
Starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine can be a challenge at any age—and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older. You may feel discouraged by health problems, aches and pains, or concerns about injuries or falls. If you’ve never exercised before, you may not know where to begin, or perhaps you think you are too old or frail.
Our GPs are here to help, they can also conduct suitable medical health checks to ensure that you are able to safely enjoy exercise that suits you and your body. It’s never too late to start or restart, contact our team today, they are here to support your health and wellbeing journey.
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