WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING FOR THE ELDERLY?

There are many reasons why we tend to slow down and become more sedentary with age. It can be due to health problems, weight or pain problems. Or maybe you think that exercising is simply not for you. But as you get older, an active lifestyle becomes more important than ever for your health.

A recent Swedish study found that physical activity was the main contributor to life expectancy, who does not want any extra years, especially if you can be healthy and active. This applies even if you do not start training together in old age. But becoming active is not just about adding years to your life, it's about adding life to your years.

Starting to exercise can help you increase your energy, protect your heart and protect you from various diseases or pain, and help you maintain weight. Regular exercise is also good for your mind, mood and memory.

Physical health benefits

Helps you maintain or lose weight. As the metabolism decreases with age, it is a challenge to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise helps increase metabolism and builds muscle mass, which helps burn more calories.

Reduces the effect of diseases and chronic diseases. People who exercise tend to have improved immune and digestive function, better blood pressure and bone density and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis and certain cancers.

Improves mobility, flexibility and balance. Exercise improves your strength, flexibility and posture, which in turn helps with balance, coordination and reduces the risk of falls. Strength training also helps relieve the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis.

Mental health benefits

Improves sleep. Quality sleep is essential for your overall health. Regular activity can help you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and wake up and feel more energetic and refreshed.

Increases mood and self-confidence. Exercise is a huge stress reliever and the endorphins produced can actually help reduce feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety. Being active and feeling strong naturally helps you feel more confident.

Do amazing things for the brain. Activities like Sudoku or crossword puzzles can help keep your brain active, but none of it comes close to the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain. It can help brain functions such as multitasking, creativity and can help prevent memory loss, cognitive decline and dementia. Being active can even help slow down the development of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Tips for being motivated

It's easy to get discouraged when illness, injury or changes in the weather interrupt your routine and seem to put you back into your old comfortable self. But there are ways to stay motivated when life's challenges get in the way:

Focus on short-term goals, such as improving your mood and energy levels and reducing stress, rather than goals such as weight loss, which can take longer to achieve.

Reward yourself when you have successfully completed a training session, reached a new training goal or followed your activity plans. Choose something you look forward to, but do not let yourself be reconciled after the workout, such as having a hot bath, a wonderful cup of coffee or something else you really like.

Write an exercise diary. Writing down your activities in an exercise diary not only keeps you aware, but also reminds you of your achievements that you should be proud of.

Get support. When exercising with a friend or family member, you can encourage and motivate each other. It kind of gets harder to cheat if you have a training buddy. If you have a bad day, your friend can help you if he has a good day and vice versa.

So age is no excuse not to exercise, there is a reason!

The Kickstart Team