Overview

As we age, the degree of physical activity we get tends to plummet, which is due to several factors, including existing medical conditions, obesity, chronic pain, and the fear of falling. However, not getting sufficient physical activity exacerbates these health problems, hence the vitality of fitness for seniors. In fact, a 2018 study concluded that exercise is the most important factor that influences longevity, meaning that the more physically active you are, the longer you will live.

 

In this article, we will briefly touch on the top benefits of fitness for seniors.

Benefits of fitness for seniors

Weight loss

Basal metabolic rate, or BMR, is the number of calories your body needs to keep your organs functioning at rest. This biochemical parameter tends to slow down over time, leading to less caloric expenditure and weight gain. Fortunately, exercise boosts BMR, which allows you to burn more calories as you rest/sleep.

Pain relief

Numerous studies found that exercise relieves pain by upregulating the release of anti-inflammatory compounds to temper down inflammation and pain. This is especially beneficial for elderly adults who deal with chronic pain.

Enhanced sleep quality

Sleep disorders are extremely prevalent in the elderly population due to a variety of reasons. Out of all the diseases, insomnia is the most common type, affecting up to 50% of the elderly population. Fortunately, researchers found that regular physical activity significantly improves sleep quality.

Takeaway message

Exercise is a fantastic, adverse effect-free tool to optimize your health and reduce the risk of ailments.

If you have anything you want to add to this topic, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

 

 

Here’s to your health!

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Dr. Kevin Crawford

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Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.