The Importance of Staying Active for Seniors

No matter what your age, we all understand the importance of staying active. Staying active can be as simple as a daily 30-minute brisk walk. There are multiple benefits to being physically fit as one ages. Some immediate benefits are on one’s brain health. Regular physical activity can also help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as improve cognition.  Additionally, exercising regularly helps one manage their weight more effectively. Being physically active helps lower one’s risk for multiple diseases including:

• Cardiovascular Disease

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Metabolic Syndrome

• Cancer

  • Bladder

  • Breast

  • Kidney

  • Colon

  • Lung

  • Stomach

As one ages, there are additional benefits to staying active as one’s body becomes more fragile. Exercising regularly can help seniors with pain management. It also improves strength and balance. This can prevent injuries and in doing so, help seniors maintain their independence. There are multiple ways one can stay active. Some activities that may be appropriate as you age include:

• Balance activities i.e. standing on one foot

• Yoga

• Walking

• Tai Chi

• Exercise Bands

• Dancing

• Swimming

As one’s body ages, it becomes more important to be mindful of the exercises one does so they help your body instead of harm. It is beneficial to get guidance from a professional such as a physical or occupational therapist. Therapists can help target specific areas and muscles as per your need. This is especially important if there has been a prior injury or a recent surgery.

Cornerstone has a team of knowledgeable clinicians who help guide patients in long-term care facilities with their physical limits and needs. Our team of experts customize health care plans for superior outcomes for the patients.