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Health News for Seniors – Lower Your Risk of Death with Exercise

The July 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that studies show that older adults who don't engage in regular physical activity have a higher risk of death than those who exercise in moderate levels.

According to a report released by the office of the Surgeon General, engaging in regular exercise can help seniors reduce the risk of developing certain types of illnesses. If you're currently inactive, you can easily improve your overall health and well-being by getting up and getting moving.

Being active is a good practice whether you're 17 or 70. With regular exercise, seniors can either reduce the risk or postpone the development of arthritis, osteoporosis and even heart disease. In addition, exercise can increase bone mass as well as flexibility, which can prevent serious injury in case of an accident or fall.

Even simple stretching activities can increase muscle functionality, which is lost through the aging process as well as inactivity. Regular stretching also helps seniors maintain their strength and keep good posture.

What Type of Exercise is Appropriate and How Much?

When we talk about exercise, it's important to know that no one expects you to jump off the couch and compete in an upcoming triathlon. If you've been inactive for a long time, or have been sidelined because of injury, you'll want to first check with your physician and then begin your fitness program GRADUALLY.

Any good exercise program consists of both muscle strengthening as well as cardiovascular conditioning. Exercising the muscles increases their mass, which helps you burn fat and improves your overall balance and strength. Building the muscles can also lead to an increase in bone density, which reduces the risk of fractures or breaks.

Lifting weights and resistance training are the best ways for building up muscle mass and burning fat. Something simple as purchasing a set of light dumbbells and doing a few easy lifting routines several times a week can get you on the right track.

Any aerobic activity such as, using a treadmill, bicycling or even swimming can improve your cardiovascular health. Virtually any activity that increases your heart rate for 20 minutes or longer can improve your endurance and energy.

Engaging in a good cardio workout can, not only improve your physical health, but your mental health as well. Studies prove that exercise releases a brain chemical known as endorphins. This chemical is responsible for helping to establish a good mood and sense of wellbeing. This is especially helpful for seniors who find themselves depressed because of loneliness or other factors.

Consult a physician before starting any new exercise routine that involves a great deal of rigor. The medical community no longer advises against all physical activity for seniors. To the contrary, the consensus among doctors today is that the most active of the elderly stay the healthiest both physically and mentally. Stay physically active to lead a longer and more fulfilling life.