Exercise is beneficial for everyone. Physicians, physical therapists, and personal fitness trainers cannot stress regular exercise to their patients and clients. No one knows the benefits of exercise better than older adults. Yet this group exercises less than any other group. The number one reason for not exercising is lack of interest. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 28 percent of adults 50 and over do not participate in enough physical activity to meet the minimum exercise requirements to stay healthy. Older people who avoid exercising run the risk of losing their independence and developing serious health problems.
The Benefits of Regular Exercise
The benefits of a regular exercise regiment are too great to ignore. Older adults should take note of these benefits and rethink participation in this healthy activity. Listed below are just a few of the many benefits of exercise:
It helps to maintain a healthy body weight. Eating a proper diet along with regular exercise helps prevent weight gain, which leads to obesity. Obesity at any age is dangerous, even more so for older adults. People living with this condition increase their risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancers, or experiencing a stroke. These conditions are not only preventable, but they are also one of the leading causes of death.
Exercising strengthens the heart and improves circulation. Regular exercise increases blood flow in the body, which in turn increases the body’s oxygen levels. An increase in oxygen levels significantly reduces the risk of heart failure by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Regular exercising develops strong bones and builds muscle. Regular exercise keeps the bones strong, reducing the risk of bone density loss which comes with aging. It also builds muscle strength, helping to maintain a healthy muscle mass.
Exercising helps to reduce the risk of certain cancers. The more the elderly exercise, the more likely they are to avoid illnesses like colon cancer. People are at the greatest risk of developing colon cancer after age 50. Eating a high-fat diet and eliminating exercise only increases the chances of development.
Exercising regularly reduces the risk of falling. Studies have shown that strengthening exercises and aerobic exercises help eliminate the risk of falling.
Exercising keeps your cognitive skills sharp. While exercising, the body releases certain proteins and chemicals that stimulate the brain to improve the ability to think more clearly.
The benefits of exercise listed her can go on. Another benefit, and one of the most important benefits, are living longer. Studies also show that regular exercise reduces the risk of developing conditions like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, which are considered the leading causes of premature death.
4 Best Low Impact Exercise Equipment for the elderly
The lack of interest in exercising is just one reason elderly seniors do not exercise regularly. Other reasons include their inability to perform certain exercises. Aging causes older people to lose confidence in themselves. The possibility of learning new activities and failing at them frightens most elderly adults. It’s much easier not to do it. They are afraid of falling or injuring themselves in some way.
Another reason involves health problems. Many elderly seniors experience joint pain, limited mobility, and even depression, which can cause high resistance to exercise. To eliminate those fears and lack of interest, here are five of the best low impact exercise equipment every senior should have to get them moving again:
The Pedal Exerciser
Every elderly senior should have this little nifty Pedal Exerciser. It is one of the most convenient ways to exercise. The exercise peddler allows the user to exercise while watching TV, working at the office, or listening to music. It enables users to exercise their arms or legs from a sitting position. Place it in front of you to perform a low-impact aerobic leg exercise or place it on a table to exercise the arms. The Pedal Exerciser helps to improve circulation, range of motion, and tones and strengthen muscles. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and portable. The best features include:
- slip resistance rubber tips to keep in place
- an easy-to-turn knob to set resistance levels to achieve the maximum level of calories burned
- Heavy-duty steel tubing for lasting durability
The Pedal Exerciser is ideal for wheelchair users, people with arthritis, and people with a limited range of motion. It’s affordable too!
The Mini Exercise Bike with Slip-Resistant Mat
This Mini Exercise Bike with Slip-Resistant Mat is the perfect pedal exerciser for the elderly. Users can enjoy low-impact bicycle pedaling while sitting. Place it on a table to exercise your arms. It’s also a great low-impact exerciser to use during physical therapy for those recovering from a stroke, hip or knee replacement surgery, living with obesity, and wheelchair users. The easy-to-read LCD allows users to customize their workout using the adjustable tension knob and the digital monitor. Program it to show:
- the number of calories burned
- The number of revolutions in a workout
- The elapsed time of the workout
It comes with a slip-resistant mat to keep it in place, and the compact size enables users to store it in a closet or under the bed.
The CVA Exercise Pulley
This low-impact exercise equipment fits over the door. How convenient is that? The CVA Exercise Pulley is easy to use and perfect for building muscle in the shoulders and arms. It is a favorite of physical therapists working with users to:
- Repair an injured rotator cup
- Relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis and tendonitis
- Eliminate frozen shoulder syndrome
The CVA Exercise Pulley is also a great tool to use for stroke rehabilitation. It comes with everything you need to get started.
The 3-Wheel Adult Trike
This is by far an all-time favorite! It’s a safe and reliable way for anyone to exercise. The 3-Wheel Adult Tricycle is ideal for shopping, recreation, and exercise. It features an extra-large, sturdy basket to carry your groceries, laundry, golf clubs, walker, cane, and more. Other features include:
- easy-to-use hand brakes for added safety
- a very comfortable seat with a high backrest
- a bell on the handlebar to announce the rider
- 7-speed rear derailleur for speed control and riding over various terrains
Use it for hours! It’s available in various colors and is ideal for cardio exercise to help improve circulation, muscle tone, and stamina. There are different types and styles of 3-Wheel Adult Trikes. Find the one that best fits your exercise and leisure requirements, and start living healthier today!
Exercising doesn’t need to be scary or harmful for elderly seniors, but it definitely needs to become a routine. Your life, health, and happiness depend on it! Find these products and more at TheElderExpo.com and Amazon.