Growing older can be richly satisfying as you look at your life's accomplishments, or it can be a source of worry if your body seems to be giving out. Staying fit is something you can do when you're younger and continue as you age, albeit you may need to adjust your fitness routine, to enjoy the benefits of good health.
Preventing Injury
Maintaining your physical fitness as you enter the senior years can prevent potentially dangerous falls and other injuries that stem from loss of bone mass, compromised balance and other factors that decline as you age. Janie Clark of the American Senior Fitness Association explains that older adults who have never exercised before are starting to see the light and participating in regular aerobic workouts and weight training to strengthen their muscles and cardiovascular systems. The stronger your bones and muscle are, the better equipped you are to not only avoid injury, but to remain independent as long as possible.
Reduced Risk of Illness
Adults of all ages are at risk for developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke if they lead a sedentary lifestyle and forgo a healthy, low-fat diet. Staying in shape when you're younger can help stave off these ailments; keeping yourself in shape as you age can do the same. The National Institutes of Health's NIHSeniorHealth website explains that regular exercise can help senior citizens limit their risk for illness, and may improve your health if you're already suffering from chronic disease. The Senior Journal website explains that exercise may keep you from developing osteoporosis, because renewing your muscles through exercise supports your skeletal system.
Maintain Cognitive Function
Physical fitness can help your mind stay sharp as you progress into your golden years. An October 2010 issue of "Neurology" reports that exercising can increase the amount of gray matter you have in your brain. Gray matter is the section of your brain that contains neurons through which your nerves carry messages. The more gray matter you have, the lower your risk is for cognitive decline as you age. Researchers studied the gray matter in older adults who walked every day and found that people who walked at least 72 blocks had more gray matter than those who didn't walk.
Lifts Mood
Depression can be a problem as you grow older, especially if you've lost your spouse or other friends and family or are dealing with your own chronic health concerns. Depression can also be a symptom of fluctuating hormones, a normal part of aging that affects both men and women. Staying fit can combat a depressive mood from several angles. The very act of exercising can produce endorphins and hormones that make you feel good, and can elevate your mood. NIHSeniorHealth explains that you should "dive" back in to your fitness routine after a setback or death of a loved one, to experience the comfort and confidence that comes with exercising. Participating in fitness classes at a gym or senior citizen center is also beneficial to your emotional state, as you'll have others in your station in life around you. Compare notes about your grandchildren, strike up a friendship or just work out in tandem if you prefer -- the socialization can make you feel happier and less depressed.
References
- "Neurology"; Physical Activity Predicts Gray Matter Volume in Late Adulthood; K. I. Erickson et al.; October 13, 2010
- "USA Today"; More Senior Citizens Hitting the Gym for Improved Quality of Life; Maureen McKinney; July 25, 2008
- NIHSeniorHealth: Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults
- Senior Journal: Regular Exercise Increases Muscle Stem Cells to Renew Aging Muscles, Study Says
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research: The Brain From Top to Bottom
