Sports for seniors – stay fit and active in old age
Being healthy and fit in old age – isn’t that what we all want? There is currently some positive momentum around the world regarding the willingness of older people to stay fit through sports for seniors. However, many older people are reluctant to engage in physical activity. Especially those who already suffer from health problems can do a lot for their health and well-being with light workouts at home.
Sports for seniors do not mean that you have to sacrifice your entire life and free time. Seniors especially benefit from short, regular exercise sessions, which can be done, for example, in the morning.
Reasons for sports for seniors
Sport is important at any age, but especially for seniors. Research confirms that lack of exercise is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity, appropriate for age and physical constitution, prevents many diseases and signs of wear and tear in old age, and ensures good health and well-being. Exercise also regulates blood pressure and is recommended for people with high blood pressure.
The number and size of muscle cells begin to decrease as early as the age of 30. This is also called sarcopenia. Targeted muscle building improves performance and protects you from illness and accidents. The body is better protected in the event of a fall if the muscles and tendons are trained.
It is also worth noting the positive impact of sports for older people on the brain: physical exercise improves blood circulation and oxygen transport in the body, which also benefits the brain and can slow down the decline in performance in old age. In addition, physical exercise for older people can help improve sleep and prevent sleep problems.
How to start sports for seniors
If you want to get more exercise in your daily life by doing special sports for seniors, we recommend that you first consult with your doctor . First of all, you should find out if you are healthy enough to start doing sports for seniors. Your doctor can also recommend what kind of exercise is most beneficial for your health. In addition, if you have problems with your musculoskeletal system, your doctor can give you important tips on movements and exercises. For example, there are some exercises for your knees or back that you should avoid.
If you have not done any sports before, you should start with small sets of exercises, such as gymnastics and avoid overloading yourself with unfamiliar movements . Over time, you can expand your training in terms of the type of exercise, the number of repetitions or the intensity of the training.
Stay Fit and Active in Older Age with Sports for Seniors
If the intensity of the exercises below is not (or is no longer) enough for you and you would like to start an exercise program for seniors outside the home, there are many options. There are also sports clubs for seniors where they can exercise. Contact your insurance company or community centers for information on exercise programs for seniors.
If you are one of those seniors who are very active, healthy, and in great shape, why not take on a new challenge? Many cities and towns have targeted training opportunities for seniors, as group exercise is fun and should be more important than performance. Even if the requirements for earning a sports badge are challenging.