Seniors Benefit from Physical Exercise

At MorningStar Senior Living at Arrowhead, we recognize that daily exercise is essential to the wellbeing of our residents.  Research backs up that claim as the National Institute of Health (NIA) explains that seniors who stay physically active and regularly exercise receive long-term health benefits.  They state that, “it can even improve the health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities.”

Taking part in physical activities such as walking your dog, using the stairs, or gardening as well as regular formal exercises such as weight training, tai chi, or aerobics classes are both beneficial to seniors.  Studies have found an increase in mental capacity and a slower mental decline in older adults who stay physically active as it can help to increase blood flow to all parts of the body including the brain.  The NIA also states that exercise may delay or prevent diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer, and help to reduce death and hospitalization rates. 

    

In addition physical activities and exercises may help to improve healing in seniors, provide better balance and reduce falls, and enhance their overall quality of life.  Furthermore, the research finds that it is never too late to start exercising to receive the benefits.  

Another thing to remember is that you do not need to have full mobility to start exercising as there are many exercises designed to overcome individual limitations.  Activities should include modified stretching exercises to increase flexibility, cardiovascular exercises to raise the heart rate and increase endurance, and weight training to build muscle and bone mass and improve balance. 

    

A few examples of Morningstar at Arrowhead’s activities include Kick Start Your Day, Afternoon Stretches, and our new outdoor walking club as well as a fitness room, strolling paths, and other special activities.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our senior living community.  We have 60 assisted living suites, and 25 secure suites for residents with dementia-related diseases. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Sources: nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/chair-exercises-and-limited-mobility-fitness.htm