Anti Aging Exercise for the Elderly

In the past, the older crowd believed that exercise was exclusive to the younger people. Older people were led to believe that no amount of exercising could make them stronger or increase their muscle mass. However, thanks to studies conducted by Harvard and other reputable education institutions, this myth has finally been put to rest. Walk into any gym America and you will see older people exercising.

It has been proven that exercise is beneficial to people who are over 50 years old. So called anti aging exercise can help slow down the aging process tremendously. As we age, our metabolism slows down and our bones become thinner and more porous. Exercises can give the metabolism that needed boost to prevent excess fat from forming in the body, encourage clear passageways of arteries, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and prevent osteoporosis.

You can delay and even reverse the aging process and help your body become more fit by engaging in an exercise routine that is appropriate for your age. According to the American College of Sports medicine, 15 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise a few days each week can be beneficial to health.

When you are exercising, you want to raise your heart rate up to 60% to 90% of the safe maximum heart rate of 220 beats/minute less your age. Brisk walking for 30 minutes or taking thee 10-minute brisk walks provide a good cardiovascular workout. Other simple exercises you can do to get your heart rate up are jumping jacks, jogging in place, swimming and dancing.

Strength-building exercises will produce tighter muscles, lower blood sugar and rid the body of excess weight. You can also develop better balance and stronger leg muscles. According to a report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), majority of the 300,000 hospital admissions each year from broken hips are elderly people who have slipped or fallen. This only reinforces why older people need to engage in strength-building exercises.

The muscles need to be flexible and the joints lubricated. This is where stretching exercises come in. Stretching exercises not only provides better balance, but also maximizes your range of movement. As a result, you experience less pain and better coordination whenever you exercise or go about your daily activities.

Your lungs and heart will benefit from endurance exercises. In addition, endurance exercises encourage toned muscles, limber joints and the proper functioning of all the other body systems. Endurance exercises also improve metabolism, facilitating the quick production of the necessary chemicals that the body needs to function properly.

You can use exercise to control your blood sugar, particularly if you are at risk for diabetes. Combined with the right diet, your whole body will become healthier and more vibrant. Keep in mind that having fewer medications, or none at all, would be the best thing to happen to someone who is getting older.

Regular exercising encourages a more stable mind. It has been found that people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of becoming depressed. Exercise releases endorphins, which basically elevates the mood. If you often feel alone, exercising in a gym setting may be the ideal solution.

A healthy and balanced diet can further enhance the effects of exercise. Talk to a nutritionist to help you control your eating and to give you better habits at mealtime.

If you are currently on medication, you need to take it when you are supposed to. Changes may come later on but, do not think that because you are exercising, you can stop your medications.

Discuss everything with your physician thoroughly. If you have any medical problems, this will be especially helpful to you. Remember that age is only a figure. It is really the way you feel that determines how old you consider yourself. Make yourself young again with the right lifestyle.