The physical activities for people greater They are essential to stay in shape during aging. During this time of our lives it is vital to eat a healthy diet, carry out activities that enhance intellectual capacities, socialize and exercise regularly.

Of course, physical activities for the elderly are less intense, but they can be adapted to the tastes and interests of each person. The important thing is to incorporate this habit into your day to day.

The importance of physical activities for older people

Physical activity benefits health, regardless of how old you are. During the aging stage, exercise, increases physical and mental abilities They have deteriorated over the years.

The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that regular physical activity helps prevent deterioration of the respiratory, muscular and cardiovascular systems.

Exercise not only increases motor skills but also brings benefits to the emotional and psychological state.

According to the scientific community, physical activities for older people significantly reduce the risk of mortality. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and isolation, achieving a better quality of life.

It is important to resort to a professional capable of guiding physical practice and adapting it to the conditions of the elderly.

Benefits of exercise for the elderly

There is no doubt that the sport it is recommended for everyone. I present all the benefits that physical activities provide for the elderly:

• They contribute to the prevention of heart disease.
• They promote emotional and mental balance.
• They increase self-esteem and improve the perception of body image.
• They favor socialization and avoid the feeling of loneliness.
• They help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as: Alzheimer’s and senile dementia.
• They provide energy and vitality.
• They improve the sleep cycle, reducing the symptoms of insomnia.
• They reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
• They help maintain a healthy weight and control cholesterol levels.
• They increase metabolism and muscle endurance.
• They reinforce the response of the immune system.
• They prevent joint stiffness, improving their elasticity.

5 ideal physical activities for the elderly

When retirement arrives, you have to do everything possible to avoid falling into a sedentary lifestyle. The best thing is to carry out rewarding activities that keep us active:

Walk

It is considered as the best aerobic exercise for the elderly. Walking at a brisk or brisk pace with shoes that offer stability are recommended.

This activity does not require any economic expense and can be done in the company of friends or family. In addition, it is ideal to be outdoors, parks, squares, fields, beaches or mountains.

Walking strengthens the bones, increases cardiorespiratory capacity and protects muscle mass. People over 80 years of age can walk, always taking into account the indications of an expert.

Swim

Swimming is suitable for any age. It presents a low risk of injury and is an excellent alternative to exercise the whole body. activities under water help reduce joint pain and tone the muscles.

There are many centers that offer swimming for adults over 60 years of age. Almost all feature fun group activities that motivate attendees and encourage socialization.

Dance

It is one of the most complete physical activities for the elderly. It exercises the body, and adds a component of joy that favors the mood.

Practice a specific dance It will allow you to put into practice mental agility and coordination, thanks to counting and memorizing steps. The dances most requested by the elderly are tango and salsa.

Bicycle

Pedaling is a recommended activity for the elderly. Among its greatest benefits you can find that:

• Promotes the normal functioning of the heart and the lungs.

• Contributes to the maintenance of joint mobility.
• Protects the muscle fiber.

The rhythm and duration of the walk must be adapted to the physical conditions of the person, for this reason it is extremely important to go with the appropriate security measures, and have the supervision of a professional in the sports and health area.

flexibility exercises

Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates use postures and stretches to improve flexibility, muscle tone, and balance.

The three disciplines are recommended as physical activities for the elderly. Each uses a different methodology. However, they have one thing in common: relaxing the mind through breathing to achieve mastery of the body.

What exercises should be avoided?

Moderation is the key to practicing sports in the elderly. If sudden and uncontrolled movements are made, there is a risk of injury.

Basketball, soccer, martial arts and contact sports are not the most favorable for older adults. Neither are exercises with a high aerobic demand, such as running, advisable.

In addition, reading, board games, writing, drawing and others intellectual exercises should complement physical activityin order to preserve mental health.

However, it is very important to go to a specialist who assesses the effort capacity of grandparents and grandmothers, in this way the conditions in which they can carry out physical activities for older people will be determined. After the medical approval, all that remains is to put on the converse and start moving.

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