Ask anyone on the street and they can immediately list the merits of exercising. However, do you know that there are extra benefits of swimming for older folks? The low-impact sport is easy to pick up and is available all year round either in a seasonal outdoor pool or an indoor heated pool. Even if you’re suffering from sports injuries or physical ailments such as arthritis, swimming can work for you. Keep your eyes peeled on this page as we show you the various ways older adults can benefit from swimming.
Elevates Cardiovascular Health
Swimming for 30 minutes per day can reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) by up to 40% in women. As for men, research has shown that swimming the breaststroke style for 30 minutes three times per week can lessen the danger of developing type 2 diabetes by more than 10%.
On a general scale, regardless of gender, swimming helps to decrease blood pressure and increase good cholesterol levels. With that said, folks with heart conditions should seek medical opinions before engaging in any aerobic exercises or exhaustive swimming routines.
Receive Better Shut-Eye at Night
Do you realize that you get better sleep after a long day out? Likewise, a study has shown that aerobic exercises like swimming can improve sleep and quality of life among older people. It’s not hard to understand why.
A 30-minute session is enough to burn a lot of calories since you’re putting all your muscle groups to good use. Just remember to warm up sufficiently before you jump right into your swimming routines and cool down properly before you shower.
Gives You a Chance to Meet New People
While you probably have the chance to meet similar age friends in your senior living community, there’s no harm in expanding your social networks! Chances are, you will be able to speak to families and a variety of people ranging from the young to old.
This social connectedness is important to help fend off feelings of loneliness and isolation which could lead to depression. Don’t know how to swim? Fret not. You can sign up for group swimming lessons and pick up a new skill your body will thank you for.
Improves Rigid Joints and Overall Flexibility
Elderly persons who suffer from rigid joints will understand the pains of wanting to exercise but being unable to. Here’s your chance to regain your health and get your heart pumping again with swimming.
A study has shown that apart from walking, swimming aids a person in relieving pain from fibromyalgia and knee osteoarthritis. In addition, with the support of the buoyancy of the water, you will be able to complete the full range motion of your limbs and joints, keeping them supple for overall flexibility.
We have come to the end of this article and hope that you are now convinced why older folks should pick up or go back to their swimming routines. Always start slow, especially if you haven’t been active for a few years now. Once your body is used to the cycle, you can gradually increase the intensity if you would like.
