Living an active lifestyle is incredibly beneficial for people of all ages. Texas is full of vibrant senior citizens who defy age through physical activity. As aging seniors in the area find themselves in their retirement years, staying physically active presents a great opportunity to maintain their health and live with greater energy.
With sports like golf or swimming available year-round, there are plenty of ways for seniors in Texas to reap the many rewards of an active lifestyle. Read on why it is so important for the elderly to stay active.
Improves Mental Health
Exercise has been proven to protect mental health in adults, lessen the symptoms of depression, and even reduce cognitive decline. Not only that, but participating in physical activities provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Active living puts seniors on the track to improved overall well-being.
An assisted living community in Kerrville, TX, will strive to create a safe and stimulating environment for seniors to exercise. Increasing opportunities for active living will incentivize seniors to stay engaged in their daily lives.
Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Seniors often face an increased risk of heart disease due to age, but active living is one part of a multifaceted approach to reducing that risk. Whether taking walks or engaging in other forms of mild activity, regular exercise keeps the heart strong and less vulnerable to attack.
Proper diet, reducing stress levels, and getting good sleep work alongside active living in providing seniors with a holistic approach to improving cardiac health. Effective active living strategies minimize the chance that seniors will suffer from a heart attack or other cardiovascular event.
Improves Coordination
Active living is important for improving coordination. Moving around, stretching, balancing on one foot, throwing and catching items, and accuracy exercises all help improve body awareness, range of motion, agility, strength, and dexterity, which naturally decline due to age.
These activities help seniors with medication adherence, managing incontinence, or difficulty with personal hygiene tasks. Therefore, active living should be encouraged for seniors as it offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that enhance overall well-being.
Increases Life Expectancy
The gain in life expectancy is attributed to decreased risk of developing serious health conditions. Active living encourages healthy habits and positive behaviors, providing a range of physical and mental benefits, most importantly, increased life expectancy.
Seniors are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles without regular exercise, which would only worsen their overall health status over time. It’s also vital for day-to-day mobility, strength, and balance, which are essential for independent living during the golden years.
Improves Cognitive Function
An active lifestyle reduces the risk of dementia, improves memory and concentration, and possibly even delays age-related cognitive decline. Regular physical activity is also great for boosting morale and self-confidence, which is an important part of healthy aging. In a community for seniors, there are plenty of opportunities for socializing and engaging in activities. This keeps the mind sharp while providing a sense of companionship.
Reduces the Risk of Falls
The risk of falls increases with age, and it is one of the leading causes of death among seniors. Regular exercise strengthens muscles, improving coordination and balance to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Additionally, aerobic activities improve oxygen circulation throughout the body, which is essential for maintaining proper blood pressure levels. Senior living options offer exercise programs to help seniors stay in shape.
Improves Bone Health
Osteoporosis is a major problem for seniors, and regular exercise is one way to reduce the risk of weakening bones. Keeping weight-bearing activities in their routine helps maintain strong bones and even prevent age-related fractures. Exercise also increases blood circulation, supplying the bones with essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which helps them stay strong.
Reduces Social Isolation
Staying active encourages seniors to get involved in their community, meet new people and develop relationships with those around them. This increased visibility and connectedness builds an emotional support system while providing engagement and mental stimulation needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Being physically active reduces the risk of depression, so engaging in activities such as playing sports or taking dance classes benefits a senior’s overall well-being.
Active living is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for seniors. It enables them to stay physically and mentally fit while reducing the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Exercise also keeps bones strong and improves coordination, balance, and mobility. Additionally, it reduces social isolation, increases life expectancy, and promotes overall well-being. At River Point of Kerrville, we are a senior living community with assisted living and memory care. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer.
