It is no secret that physical exercise is a fundamental pillar for good health at any stage of life. But its importance increases as we get older, in order to stay in shape and improve both our life expectancy and its quality.
However, it is common not to give exercise the importance it deserves in the elderly. As we get older, it is common for us to become more sedentary. We reduce our physical activity, we spend more time lying or sitting and certain pains or discomforts associated with aging put the finishing touch on sports not being among the priorities of older adults. This, as we will see below, is a mistake that we must avoid, since staying active is essential for health.
According to the National Institute of Aging, exercise is beneficial for older people regardless of their health and physical abilities. Specifically, this organization emphasizes that staying active helps preserve and improve strength to remain independent and contributes to having more energy and reducing fatigue.
Likewise, exercise improves balance, reduces the risk of falls and the injuries associated with them. It also prevents diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, type two diabetes and eight types of cancer. Control of blood pressure and body weight are other of its advantages.
As if this were not enough, it helps you sleep better, reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve cognitive function and mood, and also reduce depression.
Considering all the benefits of sport for older people, it is important to introduce it into daily life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “as an older adult, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to get regular physical activity.”
The aforementioned organization stipulates that adults over 65 years of age need to practice at least 150 minutes a week of intense to moderate activity. Like, for example, walking briskly for 30 minutes a day for five days a week. Or do 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging or running.
They should also include in their weekly routine two days a week of activities that strengthen their muscles, that is, strength exercise. And, finally, routines aimed at improving balance. In any case, the CDC clarifies, the frequency and intensity of physical activity must be adapted to the abilities and chronic conditions of older adults.
