Exercise Benefits for Good Health in Over 50s

Many adults over 50 may struggle with certain health problems throughout their years. There are certain exercise benefits,that can reduce your risk of major illness. Such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer by up to 50%; and lower your risk of early death by 30%. Sometimes exercise can feel like hard work.  However, a walk a day or just doing some light stretches in the morning can help a lot.

5 BENEFITS OF EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50:

• 1) IT PROMOTES LONGEVITY AND INDEPENDENCE

Regular exercise helps retain independence. This one benefit is a culmination of several benefits; like disease risk factors, bone health, heart health, muscle strength and coordination affect your ability to live on your own as an older adult. These exercise benefits are not just central elements of overall health and wellbeing —It is important to remember that longevity precedes independence. The better your health markers (such as blood pressure, strength, and balance), the more likely you are to retain and enjoy independence in old age

2) IT KEEPS YOUR HEART HEALTHY

A leading cause of illness and death in older adults is heart disease in its various forms. Because your heart changes with age. You are more than likely to have heart problems the older you get.  Heart disease takes many forms; Stroke, Heart attack, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease — but the exercise benefits can combat them all. When you do cardiovascular exercise, such as walking or hiking, your resting heart rate slows over time and the overall stress on your heart decreases.

3) IT MAY HELP SLOW COGNITIVE DECLINE

A robust body of evidence shows promise in using exercise as a preventive tool for cognitive decreases like Alzheimer’s disease. Serval studies show a link between physical activity, and a reduced risk of dementia. Physical exercise affects the brain in so many ways; it increases heart rate and hormonal release, leading to a growth in neurons and supporting cells and promotes brain connectivity. Exercise can also provide sharper memory and concentration. Whilst building better coping mechanisms for the future mental and emotional challenges.

4) IT HELPS BONES STAY STRONG

Osteoporosis, a degenerative skeletal disease that causes your bones to become weak and fragile, increases your risk for fractures. This is especially true after menopause when bone density can decrease more rapidly. Bone adapts to the stress it is placed under. When you exercise, you put physical stress on your bones. This triggers your bones to build new tissue and become denser and stronger. If you never expose your bones to stress, such as with weight-bearing exercise, they do not have a reason to get and stay strong. Weight-bearing exercises include activities like walking, dancing, climbing stairs and hiking. However, some high-impact, weight-bearing movements, such as jumping or jogging, might be too hard on the joints for some adults over age 60.

5)IT IMPROVES COORDINATION AND HELPS PREVENT FALLS

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among people 65 years of age and older. Citing the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What many people do not know, is that falls are easily preventable. Exercise reduces your risk of falling because it improves your coordination as well as strengthens your muscles and bones, two important things that keep you on your feet. Exercises that promote strength, gait and balance are particularly effective at reducing fall risk