Staying active as we age is the major key to a long and healthy life. If you have lived a sedentary life up until now, it’s never too late to start. The importance of staying active cannot be any more understated. Especially as we age, we not only remain healthy but also retain the independence to do things on our own without the help of others.
Health is Wealth
The key to that wealth is by exercising. Even if your parents cannot do anything too strenuous, little amounts every day amount to their health and wellness in the long run. With a reduction of chronic diseases, a better immune and digestive system, and an active mind, there is no reason to not start getting active. Encourage your parents to start out easy by doing light aerobic exercises and have them gauge, as time goes on, what works and does not work for them.
Reduce the Decrease in Bone and Muscle Mass
Exercising reduces the rate at which we lose bone and muscle mass. After we hit a certain age our bone and muscle mass starts to decrease a lot faster. However, exercising slows that down. Strong bones and muscles give flexibility and stability, it reduces the risks of falls and can increase your parent’s independence and confidence.
Improved Mental Health
Exercising gives you a boost of serotonin which helps fight depression. Getting out and about pulls you out of a dark place and an endless routine of staying inside the house. Encourage your parents to head outside for walks or to join exercise classes to clear their mind. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety and can slow down other cognitive loss diseases from developing.
Social
Going out to exercise can help broaden your parent’s social horizons. If they are finding it hard to meet new people, this could be a good way to do so. By joining exercise classes, yoga classes, or even by just heading out for walks can help them socialize and meet other people who also enjoy doing the same activities. It could help them create a new routine centered around exercising once they meet new people who will encourage them to work out more.
Better Sleep
Exercising can provide a better sleep schedule. By tiring yourself out through the day you will be prepped and ready for a restful night’s sleep. If your parents lead a sedentary life and find it hard to sleep at night, it could be because they are not tired enough when it comes time to sleep. Suggest easing into working out and from there they may pick up other healthier habits and come out of those sedentary ways.
Seeing our parents age and get weaker can be a tough sight. But encouraging them to exercise and to keep active will leave both of you at peace. TerraBella Little Avenue offers a Dimensions Health and Fitness program that aids in bettering your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Feel free to contact us to find out more about our different programs and apartment homes.
