As Winter fades away and Spring approaches and the weather gets warmer, many of us start to think about exercising more. Unfortunately, for many older adults, there are some myths and misconceptions that stop them from exercising.
Myth #1: I’m Too Old to Exercise
Fact: You’re never too old to get moving and improve your health! Fitness is important at all stages of life but even more so as we age. In fact, adults who become active later in life often show greater physical and mental improvements than their younger counterparts.
Myth #2: Exercising Only Benefits the Body
Fact: Regular physical activity helps you look and feel younger and stay independent longer. It also lowers your risk for a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure, and obesity. Because our body releases endorphins when we exercise, it is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. The mood-enhancing benefits of exercise can be just as great at 70 or 80 as they were at 20 or 30.
Myth #3: Exercise Puts Me at Risk of Falling Down
Fact: Regular exercise, by building strength and stamina, prevents loss of bone mass and therefore improves balance, actually reducing your risk of falling. Additionally, preventing the loss of bone mass reduces the risk of fractures. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, climbing stairs, or dancing are great ways to help prevent the loss of bone mass. Additionally, as you flex and stretch with exercise you will be keeping your muscles strong and flexible.
There are four types of exercise, all of which you should try to include in your routine:
- Endurance – improves the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. Examples include walking/jogging, climbing stairs, dancing, swimming, biking, and tennis.
- Strength – improves the strength of your muscles. Examples include lifting weights and doing body weight exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups.
- Balance – helps prevent falls. Examples include yoga, tai chi, and standing on one foot.
- Flexibility – stretches your muscles and keeps you limber. Examples include stretching and yoga.
Of course, if you have any doubts about your ability to perform certain exercises, or if you feel negative health effects, such as chest pains, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, difficulty with balance, or nausea, you should contact your doctor.
If you or a loved one are considering home care in the Lowcountry, please contact our client care team at SYNERGY HomeCare of the Lowcountry today at (843) 310-1078.
