Exercise and Senior Citizens

Exercise is a miracle worker. It can smooth out moods and help those who suffer from depression. It can increase bone strength. It makes the body healthier, and a healthy body does a better job fighting off disease. Although any type of physical activity is a good thing, formal exercise is better because the repeated motions do a better job at improving and maintaining fitness. The repeated motions tire the muscles, which then need to repair themselves which in turn make muscles stronger. Maintained exercise motions also build up the heart, lungs, and other organs.

Before Beginning an Exercise Program

It is especially important for senior citizens to consult with their doctor before beginning an exercise program. There is often a tendency to over-do an exercise program when first starting out. A doctor will be able to verify that the senior citizen is healthy enough to start an exercise program and will consult with the patient on the best way to proceed with the program. Senior citizens who suffer from a chronic disease such as diabetes, or are smokers or overweight have special concerns, which may limit the types of exercise that they should engage in.

After the exercise program is begun, seniors should alert their doctor if there is any sign of chest pain, severe shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, or any new symptoms not seen before the exercise program.

Types of Exercise

There are four types of exercises that are vital for a healthy body: strength, balance, stretching, and endurance.

Strength exercises are the ones that build muscle, improve metabolism, and keep both blood sugar and weight under control. Balance exercises improve a senior’s sense of balance, building leg muscles. Good balance helps to prevent falls, which in turn, helps to avoid broken hips and other bones. Stretching exercises improve overall movement and flexibility. Although stretching exercises do not improve strength or cardio endurance, they do help prepare the body for more vigorous activities. Plus stretching exercises make it easier to do those exercises by allowing for a wider range of movement. Endurance exercises are meant to increase heart and breathing rates, exercising the heart and lungs and other organs. The endurance type exercise is what people normally consider exercise, such as walking, jogging, biking, and other activities that get the body moving.