Regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep the body healthy. And as we get older, it becomes even more essential to maintaining a high quality of life. You will definitely benefit from working out, no matter your age or physical condition. Exercise can help make you stronger, prevent bone loss, improve balance and coordination, lift your mood, boost your memory, and ease the symptoms of many chronic conditions. Exercise is almost always good for people of any age. Unfortunately, many myths surround exercise and the elderly, so here’s a look at common myths and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: I’m too old to start exercising
No one is too old for exercising. Exercise and strength training helps you look and feel younger and stay active longer. You can start a workout routine at any age. You are never too old to perform some sort of physical activity to better your health. In the beginning, you may have a few restrictions depending on your present condition, but that doesn’t have to stop you. It protects from chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and high blood pressure. Even better, regular exercise helps stabilize the mood, especially among people age 70 to 80 years old.
Myth 2: Exercise will hurt my joints
If you’re in chronic pain from arthritis, exercising may seem too painful. Studies show that exercising helps with arthritis pain and better joint function. People over age 60 with knee arthritis found that those who exercised more had less pain and better joint function. So it is totally safe to exercise even if you have arthritis.
Myth 3: Exercise puts me at risk of falling down
Exercising regularly builds strength, stamina, improves balance, and can prevent the loss of bone mass. These combined factors can actually reduce your risk of falling.
Myth 4: Exercise will cause heart attack
This is another exercise myth. Exercise can actually reduce your risk of heart disease. However, it's definitely important to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program if Have concerns. Make sure to follow your doctor's recommendations and you are more likely to succeed.
Myth 5: Lifting weight is dangerous
Strength training is the best ways to increase your metabolism, strengthen your bones and build muscle so don’t believe this exercise myth for seniors. Study found that lifting weights can spark metabolic processes in the body that have a natural antioxidant effect, leading to better overall function in older adults. You can start with dumbbells weighing as little as 2 pounds each and do simple exercises that will result in toned muscles and strengthened bones.
Myth 6: Disabled elders cannot exercise
Not true, even handicapped seniors can benefit from exercising regularly. You can lift weights, do bits of stretching, and perform aerobics exercises without standing up. You can also perform chair yoga, chair tai chi and flexibility exercises to keep your muscles toned. This will help increase range of motion, improve muscle tone and flexibility and promote cardiovascular health.
