Myths of Aging and Health: The Role Exercise Plays
There are many physical changes and health issues that Rhode Island seniors experience as they age; many believe that they are natural effects of aging that cannot be prevented or treated without the use of medications and other forms of intervention. We’re about to dispel these common myths of aging and health so seniors understand that not everything has to be up to nature; the aging process can be improved, delayed, and even prevented.
• The myth that muscle mass and strength is always lost with age – while some muscle mass and strength can be lost if left up to nature, seniors who use resistance training regularly can prevent these effects and improve their muscular health
• Weight gain is a normal part of getting older – it is true that after the age of 20, our metabolism naturally slows down, and those effects become much more drastic for seniors. However, weight gain doesn’t need to be accepted, with simple lifestyle changes it is possible to maintain a healthy weight and lower body fat with cardiovascular exercises and resistance training
• Seniors will no longer have endurance for aerobic activity – cardiorespiratory health can decline in a sedentary senior, but those who engage in cardiovascular activity can maintain their endurance and prevent the likelihood of heart attack or stroke
• Diabetes is normal for seniors – blood sugar tolerance does decline with age which can increase the risk of diabetes; but exercise can increase insulin sensitivity therefore preventing or improving high blood sugar and diabetes
• All seniors have high cholesterol and high blood pressure – exercise increases good cholesterol and can help in overtaking the bad kind. Blood pressure can also be lowered directly through exercise
• Bone density loss and osteoporosis are normal – while bone density can decline with age, using weight-bearing activities and resistance training during and prior to older adulthood can increase bone density and rebuild the tissues
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Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
