Why Leading an Active Lifestyle is Important for Aging Adults
While we all know that staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy, did you know it can also improve your overall well-being and quality of life? Unfortunately, the CDC reports that inactivity prevalence significantly increases with increasing age.
While there can be safety concerns surrounding the topic of older adults engaging in physical activity, the health benefits outweigh the risks – especially when you take precautions, follow your doctor’s guidelines, and listen to your body.
Uplands Village offers endless opportunities for individuals to lead active, engaging lifestyles. Our 500-acre retirement living community in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, makes it easy for residents and guests to participate in regular exercise through trails, walking paths, on-site wellness, and more.
Below, we highlight why staying active is essential for aging adults and how our community can help you make it happen.
Improved Mental Health
Exercise provides more than just physical health benefits. In fact, participating in physical activity can go a long way in promoting your mental health. An article published in BioMed Research International states, “improvements in mental health, emotional, psychological, and social well-being and cognitive function are also associated with regular [physical activity].”
All aspects of our health are connected. For example, when you get your heart rate up through any type of activity, your blood flow increases to every part of your body, including your brain. This additional blood flow encourages cell growth and helps promote cognitive functioning.
Additionally, exercising can serve as a natural mood booster. Known as the “feel good” hormone, endorphins are released into the bloodstream during physical activity. These endorphins can help balance out cortisol (known as the stress hormone) and reduce your stress levels and feelings of anxiety or depression.
Opportunities for Socialization
Socialization and interacting with others are important for all of us. Forming meaningful connections has its own set of benefits that contribute to our overall health and wellness. However, aging individuals are at a higher risk of becoming socially isolated and experiencing feelings of loneliness. Fortunately, staying physically active provides more opportunities to connect and engage with friends and peers.
Whether you meet up with a friend to go for a short walk or hike through one of our trails at Uplands Village or join a group exercise class, you have more chances to socialize with others while simultaneously getting your exercise in for the day.
Decreased Risk of Falls
As we age, falls pose a serious threat to our safety and health, but exercising consistently can significantly decrease this risk. Participating in regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility, improves coordination, and promotes balance – all of which are crucial elements of fall prevention.
“The exercise recommendations from [the World Health Organization] include both aerobic exercise and strength exercise as well as balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls” (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). By maintaining strength and reducing the risk of falls and preventing them in the first place, you are also able to maintain your independence and lead the lifestyle you want.
Exercising does not have to be super high-intensity or take up a lot of your time. Even taking a short walk by yourself or with a friend can provide you with numerous health benefits!
It is important to note that you should not make any changes to your fitness or workout routine without speaking with your doctor. They understand your health needs and (potential) restrictions and can recommend what types of exercises and activities would best benefit your overall health and wellness.
Our retirement living community in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, offers endless opportunities for individuals to stay active and engaged. Residents enjoy activities such as kayaking and canoeing, pickleball and tennis, swimming in our indoor aquatic center, working out in our fitness center, participating in guided exercise classes like yoga and dance, and so much more.
We have something to offer everyone at Uplands Village. If you would like to learn more about the activities and community amenities at our retirement living community, we invite you to visit our website or contact a member of the Uplands Village team.