The Importance of Exercise for the Elderly

Exercise is important to the health and well-being of people at any age. As people grow older, it can be much more difficult to move the body, though. This can make many people who are elderly reluctant to engage in physical activities. Avoiding exercise is not wise, however. Exercising has many benefits, especially when people are in their Golden Years.

A Body in Motion Stays in Motion

You’ve probably seen the commercial in which this phrase has been said, “A body in motion stays in motion.” It’s not a way to get you to buy something. It’s true. The less you move, the less you’re going to move later.

When you exercise, your body maintains and gains strength. Your muscles are working, your joints are moving, and your brain is engaged. All of these movements will make it easier to move when you need to such as going to an event with your grandchildren or needing to climb stairs to visit your good friend.

It Makes You Breathe

When you are not moving, your breathing is calm and slow. When you get moving, your breathing will become more labored and fast. While this may seem like it’s not best for your body, it’s actually very beneficial. When you breathe hard, your heart is working harder to pump blood through your veins. This exercises your heart to keep it strong as you grow older.

It Helps You Think

Your brain is an important part of exercise. It tells which parts of your body to move. The more you move and the different ways you do will exercise your mind. This can help you when you’re doing mental activities because it’s already active from the exercise you’ve done.

It Improves Your Mood

If you ever find yourself feeling depressed, angry or lonely, exercise can help you. When you exercise, you are unable to focus on what is upsetting you because you’re too busy thinking about moving. In addition, your body has releases endorphins which can be natural antidepressants helping you feel better about yourself and your life.

When You Don’t Feel Like Moving

It’s normal not to feel like exercising. It’s why people often talk about how they should exercise, but just don’t have it in them to do it.

Just because you don’t feel like exercising, doesn’t mean you should allow yourself to not do it. Exercise is a cycle. People who don’t exercise are in a non-exercising cycle. They don’t exercise, so they feel bad, and since they feel bad, they don’t exercise. Those that do exercise are on a different cycle. They exercise, feel good, and then exercise again because they feel good.

Exercising is also a habit. You must get into the habit of exercising to make it easier. It doesn’t just take one time, but multiple times. It can take up to 28 days for most people to turn something into a habit. Once you are in the habit of exercise, it can be difficult to stop. That’s why it’s great when you can get into the cycle of exercise and stick with it for a month.

If you need help getting motivated to exercise to improve your life, contact Van Blarcom Consulting. Kendall Van Blarcom is a personal consultant who helps senior citizens improve the quality of their life, and sometimes, that includes motivating them to exercise. Contact him now for more information on how he can help you get active and feel better!