Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Throughout our youth we are constantly reminded of the benefits of exercise. No matter what your age, leading an active lifestyle is always beneficial to your health. The specific positive effects do change over the course of your lifetime though and the benefits of exercise for seniors are different than those for middle aged people and youth. ​

5 Leading Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

1. Exercise makes you live longer! Findings from a report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, discussed in Time Magazine in February of 2018, tracked a group of men with an average age of 78 and found that every 30 minutes of light intensity activity per day — like going on a walk or gardening — was linked to a 17% lower risk of early death.
2. Load bearing or impact exercise, (think weight lifting or playing tennis) increases bone density and muscular strength. As a result, muscular strength and dexterity helps prevent falls and increased bone density lessens the potential of severe injury due to something like a fall.
3. Exercise reduces your risk of developing illnesses and diseases. To list all of the diseases and illnesses exercise mitigates would be tedious and dull. If you’re curious, here is a list of 100 benefits of exercise. However, the most prominent include reducing your risk for dementia, heart attack or stroke, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
4. Even short amounts of exercise reduce anxiety and depression. The release of endorphins during any and all physical activities helps reduce feelings of sadness, depression, and anxiety. Plus, being active and feeling strong naturally helps you feel more self-confident.
5. You get to retain your independence! This one is kind of a no-brainer. The more physically fit you are, the more you can do on your own! Maintain an active lifestyle so that you can live out your senior years with vigor and spirit.

Activity and Aging in Place go Hand in Hand at Bross Street!

Activity and engagement are paramount to the living experience provided to our residents at Bross Street. We understand the benefits of exercise for seniors and provide a host of activities for our residents. Located in the heart of downtown Longmont, less than 2 blocks away from both Thompson and Roosevelt parks, our home’s walkability easily integrates exercise into a daily routine.
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If you’re not a self starter or hate the outdoors, that’s ok too! We are proud to be a part of the Silver Sneakers program. Those with Medicare can sign up and get access to group fitness classes and unlimited daily admission! The SilverSneakers® fitness passes are good at the Longmont Recreation Center, Centennial Pool, and St. Vrain Memorial Building.

It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercising

According to the National Institute for Ageing, exercise is good for people of any age. Plus, exercise doesn’t have to mean lifting weights or going to a gym. Walking is the #1 exercise recommended for seniors and it’s as easy as putting on some shoes and getting off the couch! Alexandra Smith, a trainer in Los Angeles who works primarily with older clients, says, “This is one of the most important things for my clients, because they sit so much of the time. It gives you everything you want from an exercise.”  
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Still worried about getting started? Check out this great article from Helpguide.org addressing the myths of activity and aging. Once you’re convinced about the benefits of exercise for seniors, check out our website to learn about the additional benefits Bross Street Assisted Living has to offer!