Century Park Blog

Regular physical activity offers physical, mental, emotional and social benefits. Older adults are at risk for vitamin D deficiency and subsequent health conditions, like frailty. Don’t let bad weather stop you from moving.

Physical Benefits

• Supports physical function – Improvements in fitness, balance and fall-risk awareness improve our ability to engage in everyday activities, like self-care or home chores.
• Relieves and prevents pain – Evidence shows regular activity can reduce the risk of neck and back pain. It can also help reduce pain intensity and mental health disorders that can occur with chronic pain.
• Supports bone health – Physical activity has a positive effect on bone health, improving hip and lower back bone density while preventing or slowing the development of osteoporosis in older adults.
• Prevents cardiovascular conditions – Older adults who exercise regularly have better cardiovascular health, decreasing heart workload and regulating blood pressure.
• Decreases risk of falls – Combining aerobic exercise and strength training is shown to reduce the risk of falls. Exercise programs incorporating three hours of balance training per week can reduce falls risk by 21%.
• Prevents onset of disease – Engaging in physical activity helps prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, certain types of cancer, and stroke.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

• Improves sleep hygiene – Physical activity during the day, especially in the sunlight, can help regulate your circadian rhythm and sleep routine.
• Protects brain health – Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days per week can help prevent degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Promotes emotional well-being – Exercise can be as effective as antidepressants in reducing depression in older adults. People also report improved mood, motivation, and feelings of purpose associated with group exercise participation.
• Improves self-confidence – Regular exercise supports perceived safety while doing everyday activities, boosting confidence.
• Builds community – Group exercise is linked to feelings of connectedness by completing programs as a team and keeping each other accountable.

Age should never be a reason to stop challenging your mind and body. Exercise promotes physical, mental, emotional and social benefits that keep you happy and healthy – especially during harsh winter months.