Photo by Logan Weaver on Unsplash .
Age gracefully with us—Are you ready to shine through the golden era of your life? Staying active is one of the most powerful ways to ensure that you can continue to enjoy all the activities you love, maintain your independence, and live life to the fullest.
Healthy Aging and Exercise
“Healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” – World Health Organization, 20201
Functional ability is all about being able to engage in the activities that matter most to you, from meeting basic needs like self-care and mobility to maintaining meaningful relationships and participating in hobbies that bring joy and satisfaction.
However, frailty, disability, and chronic diseases often come with age and can limit this ability, especially in Australia’s aging population. The good news? Regular exercise is a powerful tool to help reduce the risk of these conditions and promote healthy aging (Moreno-Agostino et al., 20202).
Staying Active: Your Key to Healthy Aging
The Australian Guidelines for Physical Activity recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise daily for individuals over 65. Exercise doesn’t need to be overly strenuous to be effective. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a swim, or a yoga class, any activity that gets you moving can make a big difference. The key is consistency and finding activities you enjoy, so exercise becomes a fun and sustainable part of your routine.
Here are some great ways to get started:
- Aerobic Activities: Walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, jogging, dancing
- Strength Training: Weight lifting, Pilates, hydrotherapy, gardening
Flexibility and Balance: Yoga, tai chi, stretching, and balance exercises using equipment like balance boards and beams
Photo by Lucas can Oort on Unsplash .
Physical Benefits of Exercise
Regular exercise offers numerous physical benefits that are crucial for reducing health-related complications and preventing falls that could lead to hospitalization. Some of the key benefits include:
- Maintaining or improving muscle mass
- Reducing body fat and promoting a healthy weight
- Decreasing the risk of falls
- Enhancing heart function and lowering the risk of heart disease
- Boosting immunity
- Strengthening bones and increasing bone density
No matter your age or physical condition, exercise can be adapted to fit your needs. Most importantly, it enables you to enjoy a fulfilling life, even if you’re managing chronic health conditions.
Emotional and Mental Benefits of Exercise
Healthy aging isn’t just about physical health; it’s also about maintaining a fulfilling life as we grow older. Good mental health allows us to adapt to changes, cope with challenges, and stay engaged with life. Exercise can play a vital role in boosting mental wellbeing by fostering resilience, providing a sense of purpose, and strengthening social connections. Engaging in group activities like walking clubs, dance classes, or community sports can also help combat feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
You may notice improvement with regular exercise, such as:
- Improved mood, with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Enhanced decision-making and cognitive skills
- Delayed onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- A reduction in feelings of loneliness
Get Started with Essential Health Physiotherapy
At Essential Health Physiotherapy, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals with personalized programs tailored to your needs. Our exercise physiologists are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your journey toward healthy aging is safe, enjoyable, and effective.
Ready to start but not sure how? Reach out to us and book a consultation with one of our experts today! Let’s make healthy aging a reality together.
Check our Previous Blogs
- Exercise Your Way to Healthy Aging: A Guide for Seniors
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- 3 Simple Tips of Exercise Rehabilitation for Tradies
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- Nutritional Tips for Living Well with Diabetes
References:
- World Health Organization (2020). Healthy Ageing and Functional Ability. [online] World Health Organisation. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/healthy-ageing-and-functional-ability. ↩︎
- Moreno-Agostino, D., Daskalopoulou, C., Wu, Y.-T., Koukounari, A., Haro, J.M., Tyrovolas, S., Panagiotakos, D.B., Prince, M. and Prina, A.M. (2020). The impact of physical activity on healthy ageing trajectories: evidence from eight cohort studies. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 17(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-00995-8. ↩︎
Other
Langhammer, B., Bergland, A. and Rydwik, E. (2018). The Importance of Physical Activity Exercise among Older People. BioMed Research International, [online] 2018(1), pp.1–3. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7856823.
