The Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

This is as true for seniors as it is for any other age group. While seniors may do different types of exercises than younger people, the benefits remain the same.

Exercise help seniors stay active and can help them to live longer and healthier lives. Additional benefits of exercising later in life include improved balance and strength, increased energy, better mood, and even greater cognitive function. It also can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Even seniors with chronic conditions such as arthritis or high blood pressure can take advantage of regular exercise. Of course, before embarking on any exercise program, seniors should talk to their doctor about any health conditions that might affect their ability to exercise; whether or not there are any exercises to avoid; and what type of exercise plan they recommend.

In addition to talking with their doctor, the National Institute on Aging offers the following tips for seniors beginning an exercise program:

1. Begin slowly and start with low-intensity exercises
2. Dress appropriately, including wearing the right type of shoes
3. Always warm up before exercising and cool down after
4. Drink plenty of water before, during and after a workout, even if you don’t feel thirsty

Many seniors find exercising with others more enjoyable than exercising on their own. Exercising as part of a group also helps seniors get motivated and remain committed to an exercise program. Joining a gym or health center also can help.

Some Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans may include a free fitness membership. For example, SilverSneakers is a program for adults 65 and older which includes access to approximately 14,000 recreation centers, churches, senior communities, and other neighborhood locations across the nation. There are 5 locations that offer the SilverSneakers program in Council Bluffs:

As part of the program, seniors have access to fitness equipment, exercise classes, including things like tai chi, yoga, water aerobics, and more. Seniors also may enjoy access to amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and walking tracks.

Not all Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans include the SilverSneakers program but it is worth asking your insurance advisor if you qualify.

It can be easy to forget about the importance of exercise when you haven’t done it for a while. However, with many studies showing that close to 70% of seniors are sedentary for more than eight hours a day, exercise is something older people should commit to doing on a regular basis. Chances are, once it becomes a habit, it will be something they will look forward to doing!