As we age, it can be challenging to maintain our exercise routines but there are many good reasons not to let these habits slip including that exercise promotes overall health. If you have not been as diligent as you could have been, always check with your doctor before starting a new programme and ensure that you do not exceed your limitations. You can start with light physical activity, like going for a walk, or some exercise that you know you can do.
Here are 4 great reasons to keep active as you age:
Increase Your Life Expectancy
Staying active and exercising can help your energy levels and even make you more productive.
According to Government of Canada adults (18 – 65) doing some physical activity can reduce the risk of over 25 chronic conditions including:
· stroke
· colon cancer
· osteoporosis
· hypertension
· breast cancer
· type 2 diabetes
· coronary heart disease
Control Diabetes
Doing some physical activity “exercise” can help you to reduce your diabetes. According to Diabetes Canada “If you're living with diabetes—especially type 2 diabetes—regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to lower your blood sugar. Increased physical activity can work just as effectively as some medications, with fewer side effects.”
Battle Depression
These days with everything that is happening in the world, especially with COVID-19 it’s normal if you feel sad or anxious. However, you don’t want those emotions to take over so, instead of relying on medication, try to do some exercise that will help distract yourself for a few hours from everything that may be affecting you now. This also has the benefit of allowing you to dedicate those hours to yourself, some quality “me time” is always a good thing.
Social Benefits
As time goes by, it can get harder to sustain all of your old relationships in the same way. It’s a good idea to join a gym or a club so that you can meet new people and develop new relationships. That may help you deal better with some depression or anxiety and improve your quality of life.
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