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5 Important Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Exercise Helps Seniors' Hearts Stay Healthy

Heart health is essential at all ages and that importance rises with age. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), up to one in four deaths in the US come from heart disease, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Seniors are at high risk for heart attacks and may not fully recover from one if they should have one. Cardiovascular exercises can have a significant impact on seniors' overall health. As long as it is regular, the movement doesn't need to be intense or daily to be effective. Walking, light yoga or stretching, gardening, and dancing are all activities that will help seniors have stronger, healthier hearts.


Exercise Helps Improve Bone and Joint Strength

Many seniors experience bone density loss and stiffness in their joints. These health issues can lead to a loss of strength, discomfort, and pain. Seniors can lose as much as 2% of their overall bone mass every year. Even those whose bone density is strong might feel joint stiffness. Doctors diagnose more seniors with osteoporosis, arthritis, gout, lupus, and more every year. Low impact strength training and range of motion exercises help seniors avoid bone density loss and joint stiffness.


Exercise Can Decrease Seniors' Fall Risk

Falls are one of the most common accidents for seniors. Every year, up to one in four older adults have a severe fall. Of the 36 million seniors who fall, more than 32,000 ended in death. Many programs correct these falls through exercise. Focusing on yoga, Tai Chi, and other balance and strength training exercises will help to reduce seniors' fall risk.


Exercise Improves Senior Mental and Emotional Health

So far, we have gone over the physical benefits of exercise for seniors. There are also mental and emotional benefits of seniors taking part in regular exercise. Many Exercise routines stress a repetitive motion - this helps seniors practice remembering a sequence and thus sharpen their memory. Exercising releases endorphins that help relieve stress and pain and boost a positive mood while preventing depression and anxiety. Additionally, exercise can help seniors sleep and sleep soundly for the entire night.


Exercise Helps Seniors Stay Social

When seniors' mobility decreases, they may meet fewer people and feel more isolated. Going to a senior exercise class helps connect the participants with their peers. When in class (plus before and after), seniors may bond with each other based on similar interests. These connections can lead to a stronger will to live and a more outstanding quality of life.


Getting the Best Care for Your Senior

Exercise has many benefits for seniors - physical, mental, and emotional. These classes or routines can significantly impact your loved ones' lives. If your loved one needs extra help with life's daily tasks, consider a caregiver from Modern Health Home Care. Our caring professionals will help your loved ones manage their daily routines. Give our team a call today at 215.995.2012 for us to find the right caregiver for your loved one.

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