Benefits of Exercising for Mature Adults

Some people have been blessed with good genes and will age gracefully without complications. However, for the rest of us that are concerned with quality of life as we age, exercise is one of the keys to our success.

The benefits of exercise have been researched for many years. And, research has shown that regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits in mature adults (65 years and older). Those benefits include:

Improved Blood Pressure
Improved Lipid Profile (Cholesterol)
Decreased Incidence of Diabetes
Improved Function & Decreased Pain with Osteoarthritis
Decreased Incidence of Osteoporosis
Decreased risk of Coronary Artery Disease
Improved Sleep
Improved Cognitive Function
Decreased Rates of Depression
Improved Short-Term Memory
Potential Decrease in Risk of Colon, Breast, Prostate and Rectal Cancers
Decreased Hospitalization Rate
Decreased Mortality Rate

Are You Exercising Regularly?

Despite these proven benefits, studies show up to 75% of adults 65 years and older do not exercise enough to achieve these benefits. Some common barriers to exercise in older adults have been identified below. Here are some tips on how to overcome those barriers:

Barrier	Approach
Self Efficacy (A person’s ability to succeed)	Begin slowly with exercises that are easily accomplished and advance gradually.
Attitude	Identify activities that you enjoy.
Discomfort	Vary the intensity, start slowly and avoid exhausting yourself by over exercising.
Disability	Consider a personal trainer or physical therapist.
Poor Balance	Assistive devices can increase your safety.
Fear of Injury	Start slowly with balance and strength training and consider a personal trainer or physical therapist.
Fixed Income	Walking and other simple exercises can be done at home. Use household items to provide light resistance.
Environmental Factors	Walk inside the mall, an indoor track or find a Senior Center.
Habit	Incorporate exercise into your daily routine to promote active lifestyle. Grab a buddy! Recruit family and friends to join.

Is Exercising Right For You?

Before starting any new exercise program, older adults should undergo a physical examination by a family doctor to identify any limitations. There are few contraindications to exercise even when someone has been diagnosed with a medical condition. However, guidance in the right direction to exercise safely should be sought by a medical professional such as a doctor or physical therapist.

Book an appointment online with an Ochsner physician for your physical examination.

As George Burns – who lived to be 100 years old – used to say, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!"

Tips for Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.4 million people reside in nursing homes across the United States. Throughout the past few months, our family has learned these useful tips to make our visits more pleasurable.

Bike Your Way to a Better Body

Besides being fun, and a responsible way to minimize your carbon footprint, riding a bicycle can be an excellent fitness activity. Because it puts much less stress on your joints, knees and hips than running or walking, cycling is good for cross-training.