Studies have shown that physical activity is one of the biggest contributors to longevity, adding extra years to your life—even if you don’t start exercising until your later years. But staying active as you age is not just about adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years.
There are many reasons why we tend to slow down and become more sedentary with age. It may be due to health problems, weight or pain issues, or worries about injuries. But as you grow older, an active lifestyle becomes more important than ever to your health.
Benefits of Staying Active As You Age
Being active can help boost your energy, maintain your independence, protect your heart, and manage symptoms of illness or pain. Additionally, physical activity can ward off diseases such as diabetes or obesity. Regular exercise is also beneficial for your mind, mood, confidence, memory, and overall well-being. However, before you start exercising, consult your doctor to know the type of exercises you can engage in and what is too much. This is crucial for patients with heart disease, diabetes, or other health conditions.
How Often Should I Exercise?
Older adults should aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise. If you weren’t physically active before, start slowly. Even 5 minutes of physical activity a day has health benefits. You can build up to more over time.
Best Exercises for Staying Active As You Age
Endurance /Aerobic Activities
Aerobic activities that make your heart beat faster and increase your breathing are good ways to stay active. This includes walking, dancing, jogging, biking, swimming, and even daily tasks such as raking leaves.
Muscle-Strengthening Exercise
Lifting light weights like hands weights, water bottles, even food cans or resistance bands can help you build muscle strength. Be sure to practice the right breathing technique while lifting the weight to avoid unnecessary pains. Breathe out when lifting a weight, breathe in when lowering weight, and do not hold your breath.
Balance and Flexibility Exercise
Balance exercises help prevent falls and other balance-related injuries. Yoga is a great exercise for balance. Flexibility exercises like Stretching (shoulder rolls, neck side stretch, shoulder circles, chest stretch, reach back, calf stretch, inner thigh stretch, among others) are great ways to stay active.
Staying Active and Healthy as You Age: Join Dedication Health
Dedication Health is no ordinary doctor’s office. Our concierge primary care practice is truly designed around our patients’ needs. We work with your insurance just like a regular doctor’s office would. However, we offer so much more than traditional practices. A Dedication Heath health membership makes it faster, easier, and more enjoyable to look after your health. Dedication Heath maintains a limited number of patients. As a result, we are able to ensure the highest standard of immediate and personalized care in a comfortable setting.
If you are looking for a doctor near Chicago and want to become a member at Dedication Health, contact our concierge medicine practice today. Call us at 847-986-6770 to reserve your spot. Additionally, learn more about concierge medicine by browsing the links below.
Concierge Medical Care: 3 Reasons Why Concierge Medicine Will Get Bigger