How important is Physical activity as we get into our senior years?

​Physical activity for seniors is pretty much like brushing your teeth. It’s not going to solve all your problems but try to not do it and see what happens.


For example if you have gained lots of weight over the years and you start to exercise to try and get lean again you are most likely not going to be very successful.The reason for this is; if you increase your activity your appetite will also increase.

 Really, the biggest advantage of exercising is always going to be health related and also to maintain some functions that will decline the older you get.

 The main health benefits that we are getting from exercise is improved blood glucose, reduced blood fat levels and reduced LDL Cholesterol.

 Functions that will deteriorate as you age is balance. Some simple exercises where you challenge your balance continuously will help you to maintain this function.

 Another function that goes down is power. For example getting up from seated will get more difficult as we age. This is because of decreased power. So power is Muscular strength and speed. So if you lack muscular strength many tasks are going to get increasingly difficult as we age.

 So what is the solution?

First of all you have to find an activity that you enjoy enough to do a couple of times every week.
Two hours should be enough but if you are completely out of shape can start ding about 10 minutes of a couple of times every week.

 Let’s say you chosen activity is walking. Jus start doing 10 minute walks a few times every week. Once you get fitter you can slowly start to add volume. If you are already fit you can start doing 60 minute walks, 2-3 times a week.

 In addition to this it is highly recommended that you do weight bearing exercises twice a week.

 This will have huge benefits for many of your declining functions and will add much quality to your life as you get into your senior years.
 Not only will you feel much better but you will also look so much better.

By:Abdi-Karim Berleen/Personal trainer in Loughton.

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