subject: Exercise For Older People [print this page] The percentage of older American people who ignore the call of staying in shape is rising. This results in inevitable health problems such as obesity, high blood glucose, heart ailments and immobility which can cause them to live independently. These days ageing is more demanding on adults. As time passes by the hearts can become weaker resulting in exerting more efforts just to perform a task. There is also the increase on body fat that is a result of decreased muscle mass and slower metabolism.
Many older people, particularly those who have chronic orthopedic ailments fear that doing exercises may worsen their condition and this fear causes them to just sit back, relax and lead a sedentary way of life. But on the contrary, research shows that the lack of physical activities or exercise leads their system to deteriorate on greater extent. Rather than damaging the muscles or joints, a person who has been known to perform a regular exercise program that includes stretching and strengthening exercises can decrease pain, enhance the heath of arthritic joint through muscle empowerment and improve their mobility.
Experts recommend that swimming or even just by mere walking in a pool could relieve the pain of arthritis. Since doing water exercises are non-weight bearing it would not cause much strain. Another form of exercise for older people aside from walking are cycling and stretching exercises. The two latter activities are recommended for those whose muscles have been strengthened.
For people who are experiencing joint and muscle pain due to a particular surgery they would most likely give it a rest. But this solution bears a temporary ease from the pain and does not address to eliminate it. Surgeons recommend some recovery exercise that may be helpful. One is to perform some wall slides that aim to strengthen the back, leg raises and leg swings for the hip and stomach muscles and partial sit-ups for stronger stomach muscles.
Such exercises are not recommended to be done altogether but should be incorporated in ones way of life gradually. In the beginning one may experience mild soreness and stiffness of the muscles. But these symptoms would eventually disappear as one continuously build strength and flexibility.
Another means by which you can further endure fitness regimen is to actually perform one that is enjoyable. In example are sports and even gardening would do and any activities as long as it facilitates different body parts is a good thing.
Make sure that you perform some warm-up, stretching and cool down exercises. The easiest way to build inspiration on pursuing exercise is to wear the appropriate clothes and shoes particularly comfortable ones that would let the body breathe and move easily throughout the course of the activity.
Aside from having a regular physical activity, older people should also incorporate a diet that is rich in fiber such as those found in fruits and vegetables.
