Active Living ENEFITS OF you can do
7
BENEFITS OF EXER SE One of the healthiest things
XERCIISE
One of the healthiest things you can do
Information provided by The National Institute on Aging
good for you. In fact, being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Studies have shown that exercise provides many health benefi ts and that older adults can gain a lot by staying physically active. Even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging. Being physically active can also help you stay strong and fi t enough to keep doing the things you like to do as you get older. Making exercise and physical activity a regular part of your life can improve your health and help you maintain your independence as you age.
L BE AS ACTIVE AS POSSIBLE
Regular physical activity and exercise are important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone, including older adults. Staying physically active and exercising regularly can produce long-term health benefi ts and even improve health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities. That’s why health experts say that older adults should aim to be as active as possible.
BEING INACTIVE CAN BE RISKY Although exercise and physical activity are
among the healthiest things you can do for yourself, some older adults are reluctant to exercise. Some are afraid that exercise will be too hard or that physical activity will harm them. Others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment. Yet, studies show that “taking it easy” is risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn’t
ike most people, you’ve probably that physical activity and exercis
e probably heard d exercise ar
probably heareard nd xerc se ar
re
happen just because they’ve aged. It’s usually because they’re not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and mor
happen just becaus becaus
also can lead to more visits to the doctor, mor hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses.
PREVENT OR DELAY DISEASE Scientists have found that staying physically
active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities. In some cases, exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions. For example, studies show that people with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes benefi t from regular exercise. Exercise also helps people with high blood pressure, balance problems, or diffi culty walking.
MANAGE STRESS, IMPROVE MOOD Regular, moderate physical activity can help
manage stress and improve your mood. And, being active on a regular basis may help reduce feelings of depression. Studies also suggest that exercise can improve or maintain some aspects of cognitive function, such as your ability to shift quickly between tasks, plan an activity, and ignore irrelevant information.
EXERCISE OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Some people may wonder what the differ-
ence is between physical activity and exercise. Physical activities are activities that get your body moving such as gardening, walking the dog and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Exercise is a form of physical activity that is specifi cally planned, structured, and repetitive such as weight training, tai chi, or an aerobics class. Including both in your life will provide you with health benefi ts that can help you feel better and enjoy life more as you age.
205-333-2990 •
www.westalabamaaging.org
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