We all know that exercising comes with many benefits for the elderly, but you may be struggling to find a type of exercise that’s both low-impact and beneficial to your health. When that’s the case, have you ever considered swimming? It does not put as much pressure on the joints as walking and running do, and you can keep fit at the same time. In this article, we share with you some top benefits of swimming for the elderly.
Keep Your Heart Healthy
Cardiovascular health is important for anyone of any age, but the elderly would need to pay particular attention to their heart health. One great way of keeping your heart healthy while having fun is to participate in water exercises. Lowering your blood pressure and improving your blood circulation, you can keep your heart strong when you swim.
Improve Muscle Tone and Strength
As we age, it’s not uncommon to lose some muscle tone. Swimming can help you maintain and build up muscle strength, allowing you to keep in tiptop shape to continue enjoying the activities you love doing. Did you know that each time you move in the water, you are putting every group of muscles to work? That’s right: keep swimming and soon you will start to see results!
Better Mental Health
Today, it’s no longer a secret that mental health is tied to physical health. When your body is not in good shape, it’s hard to be in a good mood. If you are looking for a way to reduce your stress levels and promote relaxation, try out swimming. The best part is that you will likely make some friends along the way, providing you with an additional avenue for socialization and boosting your mental health.
Increased Flexibility and Reduced Pain
Do you experience back and shoulder pain? As an older adult, this is a common complaint. Swimming can help to increase flexibility in your hips, legs, and arms while reducing the pain you feel in your back. This comes with the benefit of improving your posture as well. With so many perks, it’s not hard to see why swimming is such a popular sport for the elders!
Lower the Risk of Developing Osteoporosis
Because swimming can improve your bone mineral density (BMD), it is an effective way of lowering your risk of developing osteoporosis. A third of women and a fifth of men over the age of 50 have sustained a fractured bone due to osteoporosis, and swimming can help to protect you against that.
Conservatory At Champion Forest Has Senior-Equipped Health & Fitness Facilities
If you find that your opportunities for keeping fit are limited by aging in place, consider moving to a senior living community like Conservatory At Champion Forest. In our stylish campus, you can find a wide range of amenities, including a senior-equipped fitness center where you can participate in classes and receive individualized instruction from our professional team members. We also have a calendar of daily living activities planned for residents to keep active and engaged.
