Elderly people who exercise are happier and more active, experts guarantee
Practicing physical exercise helps prevent or even eliminate health problems. Age doesn’t matter, but logically, for people over 60, practicing physical exercise increases the quality of life, bringing benefits to the body and mind. But not all exercises have the same effect and some may not be recommended: in some cases they are even dangerous for the health of elderly people.
“Older people who exercise are happier and more active. Furthermore, regular practice fights depression, due to the increased production of hormones that give a feeling of well-being. This translates into an improvement in self-esteem and the prevention of a sedentary lifestyle, which is quite common at this stage of life and which is the cause of numerous diseases, including heart and neurological diseases. In this way, physical exercise not only reduces the risk of diseases related to lack of physical activity, but also improves memory,” explains Maurício Silva, physical education teacher at SPA Estância do Lago.
Physical Education teacher Tatiana Welche reminds us that physical exercise in old age plays a fundamental role in autonomy.
“Exercise helps older adults gain benefits such as strength, endurance, agility, balance and flexibility, as these physical abilities tend to decline over time. Furthermore, with regular exercise, older adults are able to remain independent in their daily activities, as well as enjoy social benefits, such as participation in group and recreational activities,” she says.
Experts have selected six low-impact exercises recommended for older adults. They emphasize that any physical exercise, especially in old age, must be guided and adapted to the needs of each person.
Pilates
Focused on body perception, it encourages the elderly, through breathing, to recognize and identify body movement, controlling the muscles involved in the movement. Additionally, the class has no weight impact or overload, making it ideal for seniors who want to start regular physical activity or maintain physical health.
Mixes Tabata, functional and HIIT
These are adapted exercise and movement methods that allow you to include movements similar to those used in the daily life of the elderly, such as climbing a ladder, picking up something from a high place, bending down to pick up a “grandchild” from the floor, among others .
Furthermore, since these are exercises alternating by segments, or alternating body regions (upper and lower limbs), it is possible to rest the muscular limbs, avoiding fatigue. Also due to the fluctuation of the heart rate, the body undergoes a series of adaptations, favoring the strengthening of the heart and the improvement of blood circulation.
Water aerobics
You can perform the exercises in an adapted way. However, since they are different classes, they can cause concern in the elderly. Therefore, these exercises must always have the necessary and individualized guidance for each person.
Students are able to perform various water activities depending on their limitations. The aquatic environment has the advantage of working forcefully using only water pressure, without the need for weights. Furthermore, water reduces the impact of movement, which is an added benefit for older people.
Mixed chair
Lesson developed on the chair that allows the safe execution of exercises for the elderly, both localized and low impact aerobic. It is ideal for seniors with balance and joint problems.
Localized dance
It is the combination of dance with strength exercises in one set after another. Ideal for seniors who want to lose weight, don’t like or don’t have the habit of exercising with weights, but love dancing.
Circuitrail
A mix of walking and functional exercise. At each stage of the journey, the Physical Education professional performs a series of predefined exercises adapted to the elderly person’s condition. This helps improve the cardiovascular system, strengthen muscles and joints, making it ideal for hiking lovers.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
