Exercise in old age helps maintain health and proper functioning. Medical bodies, institutions and brains around the world have been emphasizing for years the types of exercise recommended for adults and its health benefits. From improving joint flexibility, reducing the risk of losing balance and falling, strengthening bones, to improving heart endurance and strengthening the respiratory system.
The Israeli Ministry of Health has also published emphases on promoting health and preventive medicine through physical activity in old age. So what exercise is recommended in old age? What are the types of activities that are beneficial for adults in old age and what are the benefits of regular exercise?
Why is exercise in old age important?
When exercising it is important to act in accordance with the medical condition, health condition and personal fitness of the person. It is recommended to seek the help of a qualified person to build an accurate and tailored training menu and to report to the doctor about the symptoms and medical condition to adjust the training. It is important to start the activity moderately and especially for those who have not been active for some time. The effort and intensity should be adjusted to the level of function and fitness, adhere to safety rules in training and train with appropriate shoes and clothing.
Along with exercise it is important to maintain a proper diet and drink plenty. So why is it important to exercise in old age and what are the benefits of such exercise? Here are the benefits and contribution of physical activity to health in old age and in general:
- Improving mental state – Exercise helps to improve mood and reduce depression, depression and stress and improves the ability to concentrate.
- Improving balance
- Reducing the risk of falls and increasing walking safety.
- Improving mobility and flexibility of body joints.
- Improving functional ability and independence on a daily basis
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improving fine, coarse motor skills and coordination.
- Improving multi-lung endurance and respiratory function.
- Strengthening the bones and strengthening the muscles of the body due to exercise.
- Improving blood pressure
- Improving heart function
- Reducing the risk of stroke
What exercise is recommended in old age?
What types of exercise are recommended for adults? People over the age of 65 are recommended to perform physical activity that includes several types of physical activity:
- Improving cardio-pulmonary endurance in aerobic exercise gradually at moderate intensity with a frequency of several times during the week.
- Activities to improve balance to prevent falls and improve stability and safety in mobility to perform three times a week or more.
- Improving stability and developing range of motion To improve freedom of movement by improving stretching range and duration in training that includes two to three days each week.
- Aerobic activity to build cardio-pulmonary endurance in a vigorous gradual activity that increases in intensity and duration of activity in each exercise during about five days a week.
For full details the guidelines and exercises are offered according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.