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Exercise for seniors: The benefits to an active lifestyle

The value of exercise for seniors cannot be understated. Of all the things you can do to care for yourself as you age, living an active lifestyle is among the best. This blog will discuss the benefits of physical activity for seniors, tips for living an active lifestyle and how Capital Manor keeps residents active.

What are the benefits of exercise for seniors?

Regular physical activity is extremely beneficial for seniors. The CDC recommends exercise for older adults for both immediate and long-term health benefits.

Immediately, exercise impacts:

  • Sleep quality. Exercise can improve your sleep quality.
  • Reduce anxiety. Exercise regulates your hormones in a way that can reduce anxiety.
  • Reduce your blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, a stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort which can lower blood pressure.

Over time, you may experience a multitude of benefits from exercising regularly in:

  • Brain health. Exercise may increase cognitive function in seniors, reducing the risk of developing dementia and depression.
  • Heart health. Exercising your heart lowers risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
  • Cancer prevention. According to the CDC, exercise reduces the risk of eight types of cancer.
  • Healthy weight. Exercise can help maintain healthy weight, lose weight or reduce risk of weight gain.
  • Bone strength. Bones may become brittle and weaker as you age – exercise improves overall bone health. Exercise or physical therapy can reduce osteoarthritis pain by increasing strength, motion and balance. In some cases, this may be the best pain reliever for osteoarthritis.
  • Reducing risk of falls. Exercise can help reduce balance problems in seniors because it improves balance and coordination, both of which can help reduce your risk of falling.

Exercise for seniors

According to the CDC, seniors 65 and older need aerobic, muscle-strengthening and balance activities each week.

In specific, every week exercise for seniors should include:

  • 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity. This could be 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or any combination that works best for you.
  • At least two days of activities that strengthen muscles such as lifting weights, using resistance bands, push-ups, yoga postures, etc.
  • Exercises to improve balance to prevent falling.

Check with your doctor on what kinds of exercise would be most beneficial for you. The CDC provides a free overview of activities to do each week.

How does physical activity increase cognitive function in seniors?

Physical activity benefits brain health, increasing cognitive function. Physical activity helps you think, learn and problem solve all while improving memory and reducing anxiety and depression.

While it’s recommended you partake in 150 minutes of physical activity per week, this can be much broader than you may think. Walking your dog, dancing to your music, gardening, cleaning your house, etc. are all ways to be active.

Find your wellness at Capital Manor

Capital Manor offers wellness services encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs. The Commons at Capital Manor is residents’ destination for all things wellness.

Residents enjoy:

  • A pool and hot tub
  • Exercise classes
  • Cardio and weight training suites with machines and free weights
  • A quiet studio for yoga, stretching, meditation or private work with a physical therapist

Capital Manor offers guided exercise activities, including:

  • Exercise classes
  • Yoga and chair yoga
  • Core and balance classes
  • Water aerobics
  • Accelerated aerobics
  • Functional fitness (strength and mobility)
  • Wellness walks
  • Fall prevention workshop
  • Stress management
  • One-on-one wellness counseling
  • Personal training

For information about living at Capital Manor, wellness services, scheduling a visit or other questions, reach out to our expert team.