Living an active and healthy lifestyle is essential for seniors to remain healthy. For older adults living in California, the benefits of engaging in regular activity are particularly significant due to their proximity to thriving outdoor spaces
From breathtaking hiking trails through local parks, forests, or coastal areas, seniors in California have a great opportunity to stay active and reap all the rewards associated with a more mobile life. Discover how even small changes lead to big physical improvements for senior citizens.
Reduces the Risk of Falls
Living an active lifestyle is highly valued by the elderly. One of the major reasons is that physical stability and endurance are important in reducing the risk of falls. Movement improves balance, strength, and coordination, which drastically reduces the risk of injury due to a fall.
In an assisted living community in Redding, CA, members are encouraged to engage regularly in physical activity like yoga classes or walking groups to remain healthy and retain their mobility over time.
Improves Coordination
As seniors age, maintaining physical coordination becomes increasingly vital to prevent injury. Another benefit of active living for the elderly is maintaining and improving coordination. Regular exercise improves balance, maintains a range of motion, and increases strength.
This increase in physical ability provides senior citizens with more living options as they age, ranging from remaining independent to assisted or supportive senior care centers. Ultimately, active living is invaluable for the elderly because it assists them in living an improved lifestyle with a greater quality of life.
Improves Joint Health
An active lifestyle is essential for elderly folks, as it maintains joint health. Engaging in physical activity will reduce stiffness in joints from the lack of movement and make movements smoother and less painful. Activities such as swimming or biking, which have a low impact on the body, are especially beneficial for those with joint issues, as they do not put too much pressure on the affected joints.
Additionally, regular exercise increases flexibility in joints and muscles, allowing older adults to move more freely without discomfort. Connecting with others at community activities or classes is also a positive way to encourage active living.
Increases Bone Density
Small amounts of physical activity benefit elderly adults by strengthening their bones and reducing their risk of fractures due to osteoporosis or accidental falls. It’s important to find a community for seniors that’s tailored to get the benefits of exercise in social settings while surrounded by peers. Also, it’s essential for those who are looking after elderly family members to work together with community organizations and health providers to create meaningful opportunities for active living.
Reduces the Risk of Dementia
Staying active is a valuable asset for the elderly, especially regarding their long-term memory and cognitive health. Exercise and physical activity keep dementia at bay and reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases. From aerobic activities such as walking and jogging to strength training exercises like weightlifting, there are plenty of options for the elderly to stay active and reap the many benefits associated with physical activity.
Improves Mental Health
Another powerful advantage of an active lifestyle for seniors is its strong positive effect on mental health. Physical activity increases oxygen levels, reduces stress, elevates moods, increases self-esteem, and gives older adults a greater sense of purpose and meaning.
Participating in sports, social events, and leisurely walks promote better emotional well-being, often resulting in improved overall health outcomes. By engaging in regular physical activities, seniors stay active, maintain robust cognitive functions, and boost their quality of life.
Increases Life Expectancy
Moderate physical activity reduces stress and stabilizes hormone levels, which are beneficial qualities for overall health. Additionally, engaging in physical activities increases muscle strength and endurance, making it easier for seniors to perform everyday tasks requiring movement with greater ease.
These improvements contribute to a more active lifestyle and aid seniors in maintaining their independence as they age. Participating in activities like walking or yoga has been seen to lower the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer while promoting better sleeping habits, all of which are important factors in helping to extend a person’s life span.
Staying active is an essential element in the lives of older adults as it maintains their physical fitness and improves their overall mental and emotional well-being. Regular physical activity increases life expectancy and reduces the risk of developing various age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, dementia, and cancer while promoting better sleeping habits.
About Us
At Sundial Assisted Living, we offer continence care, mobility assistance, and respite care. We are your partners in successful aging. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we help seniors stay active and healthy.