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Importance of Physical Fitness for the Elderly

Physical fitness is important to everyone. As we get older, it becomes even more important. If we don’t take care of our bodies it will catch up with us one day as aches and pains develop or become more severe and slow us down to the point where it’s hard to walk or stand and keeping up with our day to day activities becomes nearly impossible to do.

Physical fitness is important at any age but especially to those who are over the age of 65 because that is when they start to develop medical problems such as arthritis and diabetes which worsens the older they get over time until ultimately they either quit doing the things they used to do or get to the point of needing nursing home care from facilities like the one at www.carltonseniorliving.com/community/pleasant-hill-martinez/. Many elderly people report feeling depressed. Sometimes their spouses and closest friends have passed on, and days can feel long and boring after retirement. Exercising can also solve this aging concern.

Exercise not only makes you feel better about yourself physically but it is known to help you maintain a positive outlook on the future and overall well being of your heart and brain improves dramatically by doing the right type of exercise and staying active. 85% of all seniors are at risk for developing high blood pressure by the age of seventy-four so they are at high risk for strokes that can result in heart attacks as well so staying physically fit will help combat these diseases by not elevating them as much which in turn helps keep them out of the risk of stroke by having their blood pressure regulated correctly as well as becoming less at risk for a heart attack because they are staying in shape and well nourished.

Physical activity naturally boost moods, even if the exercise is light to moderate intensity. The next time you feel down, go for a walk around your neighborhood. The fresh air will give you a sense of freedom to vent your frustrations and the sunlight may lift your mood even more when combined with the pleasant breeze on your face as you walk down the streets of your town or local park or around your home neighborhood and enjoy the scenery and just think about all the things that you have accomplished in life up to this point.. Walking gives you a chance to get some gentle exercise and relieve stress.