Participating in daily exercise is an excellent strategy to help you age successfully. I think it’s safe to say that nobody enjoys the thought of growing weak and frail as you age, taking away from your independence and mobility.
Exercise is often thought as an activity for the young and mobile, however, its benefits for seniors are much more profound. If done correctly, regular exercise can help keep you fit, strong, independent and maintain a high quality of life as you age. Here are some of the top benefits of regular exercise for seniors.
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Maintaining Strong Joints
The key to maintaining strong joints is by moving them as often as possible in a way that does not cause pain. You might think that rest is the best thing for someone with joint pain so as to not cause more damage, but actually that’s incorrect! The secret is finding an exercise type that doesn’t place a lot of stress on the joints, but still moves them in the way they were designed to be moved.
Exercises such as swimming, walking, yoga and tai chi are excellent options that will help you move your joints and strengthen them at the same time. This can all occur without causing more pain. Arthritis can creep in with age but this is no excuse to stop exercising. Seek out advice from a physiotherapist who can help with tips on how to properly move and strengthen your joints. You’ll be able to live pain free, keep your mobility, and as a result maintain your independence for many years to come.