Sports are the main ingredients in a healthy lifestyle – whether you are 20 or 70. Physical activity can improve the function of strength, balance and the brain and prevent disease. Along with building a strong cardiovascular system, the benefits of exercise are significant at any age, and can be very important to maintain senior health. Research has shown that regular exercise for seniors is very important for senior health and for prevention and treatment of many medical conditions including Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Some seniors become less active when they get older, but the importance of regular exercise for their health increases with age. Learn low impact exercises and strength training techniques can improve bone structure and brain function.
Senior health, sports, and Alzheimer’s disease
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the onset can be slowed or even prevented through sports. Cardiovascular activities can increase blood flow to the brain area that handles memory, improve brain function. It is recommended that you do some kind of cardiovascular activity three times or more a week to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Some general cardio activities include:
O runs – 30 to 60 minutes 3 times or more a week.
o Run – 30 to 60 minutes 3 times or more a week.
o Cycling – 30 to 60 minutes 3 times or more a week.
o Swim – 30 to 60 minutes 3 times or more a week.
Senior health, sports, and osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is common among seniors and is a major senior health care problem. As we increase our bone age naturally becomes weaker. Calcium requirements at age 50 increased dramatically and many people did not get enough calcium in their diet or vitamin supplements. Regular exercise can treat and even reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The impact and pressure of placing bones from sports causes them to strengthen to support extra weight, increase bone mass. The following exercises can help treat and prevent osteoporosis, improve senior health, and reduce the need for senior health care:
Heavy removal – by lifting your burden will put pressure and weight on your bones, which leads to the increase in bone mass. Heavy removal also increases metabolism and blood flow to the brain to improve brain function. Do this activity two to three times a week for 30 minutes.
Cardio-cardiovascular activities such as walking, running, and up the stairs will force your bones to grow due to the impact and weight placed on them. Walking outside is more useful to maintain balance and mobility rather than walking on a treadmill or using sports equipment that mimics the stairs. The elderly who is interested in lower impact cardio activity can ride a bicycle or an elliptical machine. Cardio activities must be carried out four to six times a week for 30 to 60 minutes.
Stretching – Stretching does not only increase your flexibility, but provides a strong foundation for muscle growth. You will see muscles faster and easier when stretching.
Training for balance balance is very important as we get older and unfortunately it only decreases with age. Training for important balance for falling prevention. Yoga and Tai Chi are great activities to increase balance, flexibility, and muscle control.