How many times have you been told that physical activity is essential throughout your life? Well, it’s true! Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors over 65. 65-year-olds on Medicare will want to take advantage of their wellness checkups to ensure they are mentally and physically fit since they experience these types of changes as they grow older. So be sure to find out about Medicare and your annual wellness visits. But, keep reading for five benefits of keeping fit after 65.

1.    Improve physical health

As we age, our metabolism will start to slow down naturally. Whenever our bodies’ metabolism slows down, we cannot burn as many calories as before. If you do not have daily exercise and maintain a healthy diet, you can begin to gain weight. Gaining weight quickly in your senior years could often lead to diabetes! However, if you exercise regularly, you can boost your metabolism and burn calories faster.

Staying fit does not only help improve your weight, but it can help improve your overall strength. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 36 million falls among seniors are reported annually, many being fatal. Exercise can improve your strength and balance, which can help improve your risk of falling. Incorporate strength training into your routine to help you grow stronger and maintain a positive weight!

2.    Benefits mental health

Around 20% of seniors in the U.S. suffer from some mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression.[1] With mental health disorders increasing almost every year among our citizens, it’s crucial to seek out natural remedies for positive mental health changes. Physical activities, such as swimming, jogging, or aerobics, are great ways to improve your mental health and boost your mood.

Exercise produces endorphins; the “feel good” hormone. Whenever your body produces more endorphins, it can help you fight battles of depression and provide stress relief. If you have been feeling down in the dumps, start improving your mental struggles by stepping outside and partaking in some type of exercise.

3.    Great social connections

For many seniors, it can be challenging to maintain a social life and stay connected with peers. You might be surprised to learn that exercising improves your social lifestyle. There are many different fitness groups and classes across the country! Many cities have classes specifically for senior citizens, such as the ever-popular Silver Sneakers. You can even search for walking groups in the nearest town to you.

Even if you dread the thought of working out, it can turn you into a social butterfly if you find a group you can connect with and enjoy.

4.    Get better sleep

It’s common for people of every age to experience restlessness. But insomnia can increase as you grow older! For seniors, your sleeping patterns can change depending on your medications, alcohol intake, mental illness, lifestyle habits, and chronic stress. One way to improve insomnia is by promoting an active lifestyle.

Whenever you exercise regularly, it will promote a night of better, deeper sleep. Whenever you work out, your core body temperature will increase. So, whenever you lay down to rest, your body will rejuvenate better and slow down. If you have a hard time going to sleep, exercise about two to three hours before bed and see if you there’s any improvement.

5.    Promotes a healthier heart

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, promoting good heart health is essential in your senior years.[2] One way to boost cardiovascular health is by frequent exercise. You can create improvements by incorporating cardio into your daily routine. Here are a few different types of cardio exercises to consider:

• Cycling
• Swimming
• Running
• Stair climbing
• Water aerobics
• Jogging
• Dancing
• Jumping rope

Although not all underlying conditions will magically disappear with cardio exercises, they can improve your overall heart health!

Summary

It is vitally essential for you to keep fit after 65 years. Luckily, there are many ways to do so! Seek a fitness group near you to stay social while improving your physical, mental, and heart health and better sleep.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/mental_health.pdf

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm