It’s accepted by everyone, especially health professionals, that daily exercise is important for general health and wellbeing. A Swedish medical study found that physical activity is the number one contributor to longevity. All you need to do is complete a little as 30 minutes daily to get the benefits needed for healthy living, improved flexibility and a better quality oflife.
It doesn’t matter how late you start, as beginning any physical activity immediately boosts energy levels, independence, as well as improving body strength and flexibility. So, It’s never to late to start.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE FOR THE ELDERLY?
Reduces illness and chronic disease – Exercise is great for the body as it helps improve and protect the immune and digestive functioning, as well as helping maintain strong bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, reduces heart disease and even particular cancers.
It also helps reduces pain. The less you exercise the more likely you are to suffer pain, be it lower back pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Exercise enhances mobility, strength, balance, good posture and flexibility . This develops balance and co-ordination which ultimately reduces the risks of falls and accidents for seniors and the elderly.
WHAT ARE THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE FOR THE ELDERLY?
Improves brain health and memory. Exercise increases your heart rate which in return promotes the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain. This then stimulates the production of hormones which have the ability to enhance the growth ofbrain cells which are crucial for memory and learning.
It also helps with sleep quality. The energy depletion that occurs during exercise, improves sleep quality and actually stimulates recuperative processes during sleep. Physical activity has never been easier due to the wide range of equipment available to encourage safe exercise for seniors.
Equipment to help:
We supply everything from products for indoors, like pedal exercisers, that can be used in your living room, stretch bands, gymic balls to outdoor products, like rollators that provide the confidence to walk in your neighbourhood again, as you can sit and take a break if needed or if you bump into a friend.
Here are some gentle exercise ideas for Seniors:
Flexibility, strength and balance are key when it comes to exercise for seniors. We have listed a few exercise tips below to help you get started.
For joint flexibility:
- Neck stretches
- Shoulder stretches
- Back stretches
- Hip stretches
- Knee stretches
For cardio:
- Aerobic jog on the spot
- Aerobic sidesteps
- Aerobic jumping jacks
- Aerobic knee raises
For balance:
- Standing on one leg
- Knee touches
- Walking along a straight line
- Standing on one leg using a chair
- Shadowing
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us via email or phone. We’re here to help. Contact us today at: 01 855 5696 or email: info@murrays.ie
