Improved Health In Mind, Body & Soul
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), every older adult can benefit from regular, moderate physical activity — even people with medical conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity. Plus, being active in our older years positively impacts physical health as well as mental and emotional well-being.
Staying active is one of the best ways to support your overall health as you age. Regular exercise doesn’t have to be intense to make a difference, it just needs to be consistent.
Here are some of the many ways physical activity can benefit older adults:
Helps Prevent Chronic Conditions: Regular movement can help prevent or manage conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and even some forms of cancer. Exercise can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life for those already living with chronic conditions.
Lifts Mood and Supports Mental Health: Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins — natural chemicals that help us feel good. Exercise has been shown to ease feelings of anxiety and depression and promote a greater sense of well-being.
Improves Independence and Daily Function: Maintaining muscle strength, especially in the legs, plays a key role in everyday activities. Strength exercises can improve balance, reduce the risk of falls, and help you stay active and independent longer.
Supports Brain Health: Exercise may help slow cognitive decline. In fact, research shows that older adults who exercise regularly — even just 30 minutes a day — may have fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease and better memory function.
Maintains Bone Strength: Strength training can slow or even reverse bone loss, reducing the risk of fractures and improving balance, both essential for healthy aging.
Boosts the Immune System: Moderate exercise has been linked to fewer illnesses and sick days. Regular activity helps reduce inflammation in the body and may improve the way the immune system functions.
A community like Longleaf provides ample and convenient opportunities to stay active in mind, body and spirit. The wide variety of classes and activities at our community allows residents to have fun, be social and stay fit — all of which promote whole-body wellbeing. Contact us to learn more.
