We have spoken in many blogs about the benefits of exercise for senior citizens. Exercise helps people of every age to feel better, look better, and boost energy and sense of well-being. Senior exercise routines also help to fight disease and illness, build strength and balance, and can even help people to live longer.

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Today we will look at some of the common myths surrounding senior exercise which may keep people from enjoying the very real benefits it can provide.

5 Common Myths about Senior Exercise

  1. I’m too weak, and have too many aches and pains.
    The fact is that regular exercise can help you control aches and pains throughout the body and improve your strength. Start slowly and listen to your body, and over time you will feel improvement, no matter your age.
  2. I’m going to get old anyway, so why exercise? Staying active promotes independence and allows you to look and feel more youthful. Exercise also lessens the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia – as well as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, some cancers and diabetes.
  3. I’ll never be as flexible as I was and it frustrates me. Yes, your body changes as you grow older – inclding muscle mass, hormones, metabolism and bone density. However, just because you may have less flexibility or strength than you once had, the benefits are still significant. Start slowly and ask a fitness expert to create an execise plan for your goals and abilities.
  4. If I exercise, I will fall. Of course, anyone can fall or lose their balance during exercise. However, regular exercise actually improves strength, stamina and balance, and will lower your risk of falling throughout your day. Be sure to integrate balance exercises into your regimen.
  5. I’m too old, or I am disabled. It is never too late to start moving and improving your health and well-being. Even those in wheelchairs – or those with mobility issues – can find ways to get more active, such as chair aerobics, stretching and strength training. Individuals who begin exercising as seniors actually gain more physical and mental benefits than younger people.

As you can see, exercising can provide benefits to everyone who participates, and nearly everyone can participate. However,consult with your physician or healthcare provider. They will probably recommnd that you begin with an exeprienced fitness professional, and may suggest some basic exercises which they recommend based upon your current abilities.

You Can Do It! Tips for Becoming More Active

As people grow older, they often become more sedentary. Most senior citizens slow down as they age, whether because of pain, hormonal changes, health concerns or fears about falling or getting injured. It may take some coaxing to convince a senior loved one that exercise is a good plan of action.

Oddly enough, the reasons that seniors typically give for not wanting to exercise are exactly the reasons they should begin a new routine. Too tired? Exercise will give you energy. Aches and pains? Exercise will help to alleviate these annoyances. Lack of flexibility? Exercise can improve your range of motion and give you more agility.

For those looking to get started, both walking and swimming are considered to be effective, low impact ways to begin moving. Many assisted living centers have age-appropriate classes led by fitness professionals, which are not only great for your health but add to your social life and engagement as well.

A Banyan Residence in the Villages is an assisted living and memory care facility which provides compassionate and skilled care options for Florida seniors.