How does exercise benefit the elderly?

Regular exercise will help bring the following benefits to the elderly:

Improve heart health

One of the biggest benefits of exercise is improved cardiovascular health, especially since the risk of heart disease increases with age. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke in older adults, according to the US health website Healthline .

Regular exercise helps the elderly control chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that even moderate-intensity activities, such as brisk walking, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and enhance heart function. Experts recommend that older adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week to maintain heart health.

Increase muscle strength

Aging naturally leads to a loss of muscle mass and strength. However, staying physically active can help counteract this process.

A study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that endurance exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, or strength training such as weight lifting, push-ups, and pull-ups all help maintain muscle mass. Exercise also helps older adults improve their balance, reducing the risk of falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults.

Support chronic disease control

Many older adults live with chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis. Regular physical activity is an important part of managing these conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular exercise helps regulate blood sugar, reduce joint pain, and increase bone density. Furthermore, exercise also helps improve insulin sensitivity, which is important for controlling diabetes.

Improve brain cognition

Exercise is not only good for your body, but also your mind. Experts say regular exercise can help boost cognitive function and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to Healthline.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tap-the-duc-co-loi-cho-nguoi-cao-tuoi-the-nao-18524091720152137.htm