We can’t avoid aging, but we can avoid many risks associated with getting older so we can live longer lives. Here is how physical exercise can help us age healthy.

We all age. Staying on top of the right habits will help you avoid many of the serious health issues that come with getting older so you can age healthy. Alongside avoiding smoking, cutting back on excessive drinking, and healthy eating habits, such as eating plenty of whole foods and lean meats, one of the most important things older adults can do is engage in regular physical activity.

This article will walk you through common health problems for older adults and how exercising on a regular basis can help reduce risks to help you you age healthily.

Common health issues caused by aging

As we age, our bodies undergo lots of changes that often lead to health problems. Common issues faced by older adults include:

• Cataracts in the eyes
• Back and neck pain
• Hearing loss
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Dementia and memory loss

Aging adults may experience a few of these ailments at the same time. Some older people also find that they’re less mobile and aren’t able to take on everyday tasks without the help of others. This is because they have weakening muscles and bones, and their arteries and vessels may stiffen. Some might have chronic conditions , and some may lose a lot of their physical and mental capacity.

These ailments are exacerbated when the older adult is in poor health. By focusing on a better diet and engaging in physical activity, they can avoid some of these conditions and maintain a healthier, more satisfying life in their later years. This is how you age healthily.

Health benefits of physical activity

Exercise is one of the best things we can do for our overall health, and that is true at any age. But for older adults, the benefits are significant in helping them avoid many common issues that come with aging. Here are four of the key health benefits of physical activity as we age:

1. Brain health support

Improved brain health is one of the immediate effects of physical exercise. Right after a moderate to vigorous activity, children have been found to show better thinking and cognition and adults may experience reduced feelings of anxiety. According to the CDC, “Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age.”

Brain health is also related to sleep patterns, mental health (for example depression and anxiety) – all of which are concerns if you want to age healthy. These conditions may improve right away and in the long-term when the brain gets a boost. This is an important consideration for older adults because they are at greater risk for dementia and depression. The CDC estimates that there are about 5 million adults who are at least age 65 with dementia.

2. Reduced risk of chronic conditions

Those who do little physical activity are at a higher risk of developing erious conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and many forms of cancer – including colon, bladder, breast, lung, and kidney, among others. The CDC recommends that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, and taking on even more can have additional benefits. Physical activity can also improve high cholesterol and lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease or heart attack.

Metabolic syndrome can lead to diabetes and other serious conditions, and physical exercise significantly lowers the risk. This syndrome is caused by too much waist fat in conjunction with high blood pressure and other issues. Working out regularly is a healthy habit that helps reduce fat, promotes good health, and lowers the risk of developing new conditions.

3. Strengthen bones, joints, and muscles

Aging adults face weakened muscles and bones, which leads to mobility challenges and conditions like osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, half of all adults age 50 and older are at risk of breaking a bone, around 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 44 million have low bone density.

Physical activity can actually slow bone density loss and strengthen muscles and joints so that older people can avoid becoming physically dependent on others too early. It can also lower your risk of falling, hip fractures, and other ailments associated with low bone density. Additionally, arthritis – which is another common issue as you age – can be improved with activity. Engage in aerobic exercises, muscle-strengthening techniques like weight lifting, and balancing and weight-bearing activities like running to strengthen muscles and bones and age healthy.

Furthermore, regular exercise along with a healthy diet is important in maintaining a healthy weight. There are many health risks associated with obesity, and it is a risk factor for a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis and heart disease.

4. Live a longer life

Finally, people can live longer, more enjoyable lives when they prioritize regular physical activity. Working out reduces your risk for many chronic and serious conditions that lead to early death, like heart disease and cancer. The CDC states that being physically active for around 150 minutes a week gives you a 33% lower risk of all-cause mortality when compared to people who are inactive.

The bottom line is that any amount of physical activity can help you avoid ailments and conditions associated with aging so you age healthy. Following the CDC’s recommended amount of exercise, and even exceeding it, can help you stay healthy even longer and enjoy more time with your loved ones.

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