Movers and Shakers: Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

"Health is the vital principle of bliss and exercise of health." - James Thomson

Here at Orchard Park Senior Living we're all about nurturing the Mind, Body, and Soul. In this month's edition of the Orchard Park blog we're diving into the importance of exercise for seniors. Mood-boosting fun social and healthy daily exercise is a key part of our activities programming. Read on to learn about the benefits of exercise along with some Orchard Park favorites!

Physical Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

According to a recent study physical activity adds extra years to your life. How does exercise contribute to seniors' overall well-being? To name a few benefits:

• Keeps a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is key to injury and disease prevention.
• Improves balance and stability. Better balance helps prevent falls and injury. By building muscle and strength exercise helps seniors become more stable.
• Boosts immunity prevents disease. Regular exercise is linked to improved immunity and better cardiovascular health.

Mood and Sleep

Ever been in a crummy mood but then went out for a walk and returned feeling much better? Well that's the power of physical activity. Not only does staying active help us stay in better physical shape but it has great mood-boosting benefits too.

Additionally regular exercise improves sleep. With regular light physical activity seniors sleep more restfully and wake up feeling more energized to enjoy the beautiful day ahead.

Exercise and Memory

Studies show that exercise improves mood and sleep and reduces stress and anxiety. Additionally regular aerobic exercise is shown to help protect memory improving cognitive skills. Who knew that by exercising the body we're exercising the mind too?

Making Exercise Accessible to Seniors

As we age we may have more limited mobility or decreased energy which naturally leads us to slow down. However we can slow down while still getting the exercise we need to stay healthy. How? Through light joint- and senior-friendly exercise.

There are easy-on-the-joints senior-friendly exercises that make physical activity fun and accessible. A few favorites at Orchard Park include yoga tai chi chair aerobics sittercize and group walks. Browse our full activities calendars for all the details!

Bringing it All Together

Today how can you help your senior loved one stay more active and healthy? Let us know how we can help or set up a time to come tour our beautiful assisted living community.