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Reasons to Stay Active
How independent you are depends on how well you can function physically.
This is a significant reason to remain physically active, but there are many others. The following list outlines why physical activity should be incorporated into everyday life.
It improves bone density and reduces the odds of osteoporosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoporosis impacts 28 million adults, causing their bones to become fragile. Exercise combats this by increasing bone strength. Exercises proven to make bones stronger include weight-bearing activity such as walking and resistance activity such as weightlifting. But, there is no need to become an intense walker or bodybuilder. Merely staying dedicated to an active lifestyle will contribute to keeping your bones strong. "Do things you enjoy. Work in the garden, walk to the store, or go dancing. Just a little exercise everyday will make a difference," Dr. Atkins said. Remember that healthy bones also require vitamin D and calcium.
It allows you to accomplish more independently. The principal goal of staying active is to continue to be able to function on your own. "As they get older, most people don't care how much oxygen then can inhale or what their percentage of body fat is. Those things won't motivate. What is important is being able to play with grandchildren, go out with friends, and just do the things you have to do," Dr. Bryant said. People that exercise over the course of their lifetime are also less likely to end up disabled. If they live long enough, those lacking the drive to exercise will inevitably experience some form of disability.
It boosts metabolism. Metabolism measures the way in which your body allocates nutrients. Strength training adds muscle and, in turn, heightens metabolism. When you exercise, your body breaks down more calories as your resting metabolic rate increases. This helps reduce body fat and makes weight management a bit easier. Being slightly overweight could make you much more vulnerable to health problems than someone at their target weight. "Physical activity lowers that risk," Dr. Atkins said.
It helps maintain your center of gravity and reduces the likelihood of falls. One reason for this is that exercising encourages you to hone balance skills and reflexes. Another is that staying active can hinder your body's inherent decline in muscle fitness. "Of all the various benefits from exercise, the most important for seniors is muscular fitness. Things people take for granted when they are younger all require a certain level of muscle strength. That includes just getting up out of a chair or walking fast enough to get across the street before the light changes." Dr. Bryant said. Exercise keeps your muscles in shape and you feeling young.
It helps maintains your flexibility. Activities that really push your body's range of motion contribute to its flexibility, and these exercises don't have to follow a strict regimen. "Any kind of activity is going to produce results. The ideal is to work exercise into what you do. Walk instead of drive. Rake instead of using a blower. If you take up some overly hard routine, you won't stick with it." Developing a routine is the one of the key components to staying in shape.
It's a good way to meet new people and socialize. Exercise groups are the perfect means to meet others with a common interest: staying fit. Since one of the most productive methods of exercise is to partake in group activity, this can lead to new bonds and relationships between the participants. Chances are, your local community center or gym holds exercise groups intended for seniors. Get involved, and bring your friends along too.
It makes you feel better. Exercise has a positive effect on your mental health. According to reports, it reduces depression and also is responsible for improving your self-esteem." People's mental and social well-being is closely related to their physical well-being. When you are physically active, you improve your sense of what you can do," Dr. Bryant said.
It is vital to living a long, healthy life. Exercise forces your lungs to work at a fuller capacity, helps avoid the onset of diabetes, and is beneficial to your heart.
