When people think of fitness, images of young, toned, spandex-clad athletes working out in crossfit or yoga studios come to mind.

1. When people think of fitness, images of young, toned, spandex-clad
athletes working out in crossfit or yoga studios come to mind. But fitness
entails more than just trendy regiments aimed at giving people the beach
bodies they’ve always wanted. Exercise is essential for everyone, old or
young, fit or not. Unfortunately, exercise is often underappreciated by one
of the groups of people who need it most—senior adults.
Seniors may feel intimidated by exercise or not know where to start. It
doesn’t take athletic skills, special equipment, or a gym membership in
order to work out. All it takes is consistent dedication for a short amount
of time each day doing a fitness activity. It can mean doing exercises at
home using only body resistance or everyday household objects. It can
mean going for a walk, bike ride, or swim. It can mean learning how to
play tennis or golf. It can also include other physical activities, such as
gardening, dancing, stretching, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

2. Maintaining a physically active lifestyle brings a host of benefits needed in
this later stage of life. The most obvious and celebrated benefit of exercise
is losing weight. Less body weight means less pressure on joints and less
work for the heart. Weight loss also boosts energy and lowers the risk of
developing certain health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart
disease.
Exercise routines help with coordination and flexibility. They also improve
balance, and having better balance will decrease the likelihood of falling,
which is the number one cause of injury in senior citizens. Muscle strength
increases as well, allowing seniors to have more self-reliance, and sleep
quality improves. Fitness activities also give grandparents the endurance
they need to keep up with their grandkids.
Exercise not only has physical benefits, but also mental and emotional
ones. It sharpens cognitive abilities and lowers feelings of depression.
Trying new activities can bring feelings of enjoyment and accomplishment
and lead to new, lasting friendships. Having a physically fit and able body
makes it easier to achieve a higher sense of well-being in all areas of life.

3. Physical fitness enhances older citizens’
independence and allows them to stay involved
in their hobbies. They will be able to participate
more in life instead of watching from the
sidelines as others enjoy it. Their time on earth
will extend so they can be with their loved ones
for a little while longer.
Before starting a fitness routine, elderly adults
should talk to their doctors. To learn more about
the personal care for seniors and senior hygiene
services in Vista, click here
www.northcountyhomecare.com/personal-care