Incorporating More Exercise in to Your Day Could Save Your Life

Exercise leads to better health. It not only helps you decrease your risk for health conditions such as coronary artery disease and cancer, but it can also help to better manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and osteoarthritis. Following a routine exercise program can also lead to increased stamina, a stronger immune system and a lower risk of depression. For older adults, there are even greater benefits.

Exercise and Aging

Decreased mobility and lack of flexibility are more common with aging. Regular exercise helps build flexibility and core strength both of which improve balance and coordination. That leads to fewer falls and fall related injuries.

Another benefit of exercise for seniors is that it can promote better sleep. For older adults, getting the right amount of sleep and good quality sleep can be a struggle.

Senior-Friendly Exercise Programs

If you or the Michigan senior you love needs help developing an exercise program that is senior-friendly, these resources should help:

  • Getting Fit for Life: The National Institute on Aging developed a program that includes four types of physical activity: endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. They have helpful videos that show you how to incorporate each form of exercise into your fitness routine.
  • Go 4 Life: This is another comprehensive fitness program from The National Institute on Aging. It covers exercise, safety, motivation and more. They also offer seniors free DVDs and guides.
  • ElderGym: Is a senior focused fitness site that shares resources that range from helpful articles to DVDs and ebooks.
  • Exercise Plan for Seniors: This Health Line site can help older adults develop a workout schedule that incorporates flexibility, strength, stretching and balance.
  • Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults: Developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this guide is free to download. It offers tips for getting started, a quiz to measure your strength, ideas for staying motivated, goal setting and more.

Finally, don’t overlook the exercise programs that take place every day at senior centers across the state of Michigan. To find one near you, visit Michigan Association of Senior Centers.

 

Photo Courtesy of

trevor@addfuelfire.com

Recent Posts

Communicating with a Loved One Who Has Dementia: Tips That Actually Help

Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can become challenging…

7 days ago

My Kids Don’t Want Me to Move to a Senior Living Community

Dear Donna: My husband passed away four years ago and I’ve been struggling to manage…

7 days ago

Independent Living vs. Staying Home: What Active Adults Are Choosing and Why

Dear Donna: As a newly single older woman, I am trying to evaluate my options…

7 days ago

6 Healthy New Year Goals for Older Adults to Consider in 2027

A new year gives us the perfect opportunity to focus on health, happiness, and overall…

7 days ago

Connecting Family Caregivers with Alzheimer’s Resources

When a family member receives the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, their loved ones feel the…

1 month ago

Caregiver Burnout: Recognizing the Signs That It’s Time for a Break

Dear Donna: My parents took over care for my dad’s brother two years ago after…

1 month ago