We all know that regular exercise is a necessity for healthy living. But what does fitness look like as we age? What happens if we do not exercise regularly? Which activities are best for seniors, and which are best left to younger generations? Luckily, Karp Fitness has the answers to these questions!
Why is exercise so important for seniors?
Yes, fitness is essential at any age. But it is especially important for older individuals, whose physical and cognitive functioning may begin to decline. With regular exercise, seniors are more likely to:
- Prevent or delay age-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
- Extend independent living.
- Reduce the risk of falling.
- Increase confidence and decrease the fear of falling.
- Improve overall mood and manage mood disorders like depression or anxiety.
- Maintain healthy bones, joints, and ranges of motion.
- Live longer!
What happens if I don’t exercise?
The risks associated with sedentary lifestyles are well documented, and they only increase with age. For seniors in particular, they can include:
- Life-threatening falls and more frequent hospitalizations.
- Brittle bones that are prone to dangerous breaks and fractures.
- Losses of mobility and independent living.
- More severe mental and physical declines.
- Feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.
- Shortened life spans.
How do I get started? What type of exercise is best?
Contrary to popular belief, exercise doesn’t have to be high impact or high intensity. In fact, there are plenty of low-impact activities that get the heart pumping without straining the body! For example, you could:
- Take a brisk walk around your neighborhood.
- Go for a swim at the local pool.
- Enroll in a beginner’s yoga class.
- Try golfing for an afternoon.
- Set up an individualized exercise plan with a personal trainer.
If you are a senior living in the Vancouver area and are ready to take that next step for your health, simply call Karp Fitness at 604-420-7800! Our personal trainers would be happy to help you get started!
Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer and the owner of Karp Personal Training and Rehabilitation in Vancouver, B.C. For further information call his office at 420-7800 or visit www.karpfitness.com.