Fitness refers to the quality or state of being fit. Overall considers the full body, both physical and mental aspects. Read on to learn why people, particularly senior citizens, should strive to increase overall fitness.
So many great health benefits!
There are many excellent reasons why senior citizens should embrace increasing overall fitness. Being in shape allows people to more easily participate in daily activities without extreme fatigue. It also helps people stay healthy by managing disease and stress.
- Medical experts agree that being sedentary is problematic as the human body is designed to move and think. It’s best to avoid sedentary lifestyles and opt for daily activities that keep the body in motion and the mind working.
- Senior citizens should engage in doctor approved safe, low-impact exercise. While age is a factor in slowing down, regular gentle exercise remains a great way to stay in shape. A lack of physical activity can lead to decreased mobility. This translates to poorer health outcomes and less independence.
- When it comes to health, folks have the power to make decisions that are beneficial for their bodies. While humans cannot control every aspect of physical and mental health, they possess the power to make smart decisions to support good health.
- Consider a variety of exercises to strengthen the full body. This means acting healthfully to protect and strengthen the mind, heart, and other vital organs of the body. Being fit also increases muscle strength and power, endurance, joint mobility, flexibility and more.
- Per U.S. Army, an important health goal is to “…keep your heart strong and your body composition within a healthy range.” This can be achieved in several ways. To increase overall fitness, regular exercise is most effective when paired with eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding habits that can harm the mind and body.
- What it means to be fit varies per individual. For example, athletes training for the Olympics must embark upon a tough regimen of exercise to excel. For others, staying in shape means gentle exercise daily. This may include enjoying walks in the park, doing yoga, or keeping up with the grandkids.
Important exercise components
There are main areas that are typically measured to determine overall fitness. They include:
- Aerobic exercise. This shows how well the heart uses oxygen.
- Body composition. This refers to the amount of fat on the body.
- Endurance and strength. This shows how well muscles work.
- Elasticity. This shows the flexibility of the joints.
- Emotional stability. This shows a person’s ability to be balanced and calm.
- Mental alertness. This shows a person’s ability to be aware and attentive.
Types of exercise
There are different categories of exercise that are beneficial for overall fitness. Here are some examples that are likely favorable for most senior citizens:
- Aerobic exercises like swimming or dancing. These types of exercise use repetition to work out large muscle groups. They are ideal for managing one’s heart rate and oxygen levels.
- Agility exercises like tennis. These help the body change direction fast and effectively.
- Balance exercises like standing on one foot. These exercises improve core strength.
- Flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates. These disciplines involve stretching the body to improve range of motion.
- Mental exercises like puzzles and memory games. These types of exercise work out the brain to boost memory.
- Strength training such as lifting weights. These exercises target specific parts of the body to build and maintain muscle power.
Summing it up!
Increasing overall fitness is a great goal for all ages. It is particularly important for people between 65 and 80 who lose muscle mass with aging. Accepting the challenge to keep mind and body moving and fit offers many wonderful benefits. For example, it can increase energy and productivity, improve cardiovascular health, lower risks of developing some medical conditions, boost mood and mental health, and much more. Keeping the mind and body active works to enhance one’s quality of life by making everyday tasks easier, achievable, and ultimately more enjoyable.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medically reviewed or intended to substitute for medical advice.