Retiring may mean slowing down and enjoying life, but it shouldn’t mean leaving exercise out of your daily routine. As the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests, seniors should engage in at least 1.5 hours of vigorous activity or 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week to stay in good health. Still not convinced? Here are three major ways that staying active can improve various aspects of senior living.

3 Ways Exercise Enhances Senior Living

1. Reduces Risk of Falls

It’s estimated that nearly one in four adults 65 years or older falls every year, causing many to experience serious injury and lasting disabilities. In addition to embracing safety resources—such as mobility aids—exercise can greatly reduce the risk of falls. For example, weight training exercises can help build muscle tissue, which can help improve flexibility and balance. Resistance-oriented activities—such as yoga and walking—helps build bone mass to reduce the likelihood of fractures.

2. Boost the Mind

Fitness isn’t just good for the physical body—it’s also great for the mind. In particular, research suggests that regular exercise keeps the brain active and helps improve memory, as well as cognitive thinking. As a result, maintaining a regular fitness routine can help stave off dementia.

Staying active is also known to help alleviate mental health problems that are associated with aging—such as stress and depression. Specifically, exercise triggers the release of endorphins—a natural hormone that helps boost mood and increase energy.

3. Minimizes Disease Risks

Exercise can help prevent, as well as manage, chronic diseases that are a common part of senior living—such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Regular fitness, along with a balanced diet, helps burn body fat and keeps excess weight off, which greatly reduces the risks of conditions like these. It also helps by getting the heart pumping to improve circulation and lower blood pressure.

Caring for both the body and mind, St. Charles Community is an excellent resource for Covington, KY seniors looking to stay active. From independent senior living apartments to in-home caregivers, this provider offers a wealth of support services that can help you or your loved one manage health concerns. In addition to providing personal assistance, rehabilitation services, and nursing care, this team also plans an assortment of fun and stimulating activities—including senior-friendly fitness programs. To learn more about their help for the elderly, visit this community online. If you’d like to schedule a tour of the residences or arrange home health care for a loved one, call a friendly associate at (859) 331-3224.