For Retirees: Exercise Improves Quality of Life
May 8th, 2010 | By Sharon Shaw Elrod MSW EdD | Category: Lifestyle, Health & FitnessExercise is Key to Longevity and Healthy Living
Many of us seniors watch our adult children and their workout programs. That generation is heavy in to exercising because of their desire for a healthy life. Some of us elders have been told by our physician that we also need to exercise to improve the quality of our lives. For some, physical exercise is not just a quality issue, it’s a necessity. Senior citizens everywhere are being encouraged to get out of the house and into an exercise program.
Medical research is clear: physical exercise has a dramatic effect on the quality of a retiree’s life, both the physical body and the mind. The muscle system improves with exercise, bones become stronger and the mind has more clarity for a longer period of time. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) conducted an interesting study; they looked at seniors who went to the gym more than two times a week, and found they averaged $1252 less in healthcare costs than those who went the gym less than once a week. Amazing information that hits the pocketbook! The CDC reports the following benefits of exercise:
- Control your weight
- Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
- Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Reduce your risk of some cancers
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve your mental health and mood
- Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult
- Increase your chances of living longer
Exercise can be daunting at first, but SCJ suggests you take the advice of experts: Begin slowly (walk for 30 minutes 2-3 times a week); then add both time and intensity as you are able. You may just eventually end up at the gym with your adult children, doing the treadmill and lifting weights!
[...] Exercise саח Improve Quality οf Life fοr Retirees | Senior Citizen Journal [...]
[...] Exercise can Improve Quality of Life for Retirees | Senior Citizen Journal [...]
[...] Exercise саח Improve Quality οf Life fοr Retirees | Senior Citizen … [...]
[...] Exercise can Improve Quality of Life for Retirees | Senior Citizen … [...]
[...] what is the magic of an exercise program? First of all, there is no magic. Exercise is a commitment you make to yourself to live longer with greater quality of life. It takes both time and energy. And it helps to do it with a friend. Thirdage.com says women who [...]