The Importance of Exercise for Physical and Mental Health in Seniors - Celestial Care
A senior couple riding their bikes - great exercise!

The Importance of Exercise for Physical and Mental Health in Seniors

Everyone knows exercise for physical and mental health is a good idea. Find out how it can make a tremendous impact on the quality of life for senior adults. 

While most people know exercise is a crucial component to a healthy lifestyle, you may be surprised to learn just how vital regular exercise is to the physical and mental health in senior adults. Exercise is about more than just keeping an attractive physique; it offers tremendous benefits to the body, soul, mind, and spirit. The positive benefits enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for people of any age. However, for senior adults, the benefits can be even more meaningful.

Why Should Seniors Exercise?

Senior adults who do not engage in regular exercise can suffer several consequences—from decreased mobility and lower immune system to increased risk for depression and other mental health issues. Exercise can be something that helps elderly adults to remain active both mentally and physically.

MedlinePlus, a National Library of Medicine service, which is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, recommends four different types of exercise for seniors:

  1. Endurance or aerobic
  2. Strength
  3. Balance
  4. Flexibility

Benefits of Exercise for Physical and Mental Health in Seniors

Many seniors stopped exercising at some point along the way and often find it challenging to get back into the swing of things. However, the numerous benefits of engaging in regular exercise should help to motivate and inspire any elderly adult who is thinking about starting an exercise plan.

Benefits include:

  • Improved quality of sleep: Not sleeping soundly is a primary complaint of senior adults, and exercise can be a solution to this problem. Physical activity has proven to increase periods of deep sleep, which in turn works to boost the immune system and decrease stress and anxiety.
  • Stimulation of mood-boosting chemicals in the brain: Exercise will stimulate the production of neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, that create balance, decrease mood disorders, reduce stress, and promote positive emotions and a sense of calmness.
  • Increased energy levels: Many senior adults battle with a never-ending cycle of fatigue. They feel too tired to exercise, so they don’t get to experience the boost exercise could give them. While it may be challenging to get started, seniors will experience higher energy levels on a regular basis once they begin to exercise consistently. Even a walk outside a few days a week can make a notable difference. Higher energy levels tend to correlate with happier people, too.
  • Reduces the risk of dementia: Studies show that exercise increases the blood flow to the brain, which will promote healthy brain cells. Also, stimulation of neurotransmitters gives seniors that boost they need to control thinking, increase memory, and keep a positive perspective.

Keep the Senior Adult in Your Life Healthy and Happy with Celestial Care

Are you looking for additional advice regarding how to help an elderly loved one maximize their quality of life through exercise for physical and mental health? Or perhaps you need expert services for private nursing and caregiver support.  The team at Celestial Care is here to help. Connect with us online now to schedule a confidential consultation, or call 602-375-8880 to speak to one of our caring team members.