Educational Articles
The Importance of Physical Activity As We Age
As we age, the gradual decline in muscle mass and strength worsens with each passing decade. There are several factors that contribute to the loss of strength over the years with decreased participation in physical activities being one of the factors. "If you don't use it, you lose it."
Some factors that decrease physical activities include lack of interest and physical symptoms such as joint pain, shortness of breath, and decreased flexibility / range of motion. These symptoms may cause difficulty recovering from injuries.
Immediate Benefits of Physical Activity:
· Sleep: improves sleep quality
· Less Anxiety: reduces feelings of anxiety
· Blood Pressure: reduces blood pressure
Long Term Benefits of Physical Activity
· Brain Health: reduces risks of developing dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and reduces risk of depression
· Heart Health: lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
· Cancer Prevention: lowers risk of 8 cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung and stomach)
· Healthy Weight: reduces risk of weight gain
· Independent Living: helps people live independently longer
· Bone Strength: improves bone health
· Balance and coordination reduces risk of falls
Please see our therapy department for home exercise programs to improve physical activity and also ask us about outpatient therapy.
Article contributed by Dove Healthcare - Fennimore Rehabilitation Manager Jessica Doser, PTA
Contact us about outpatient and inpatient therapy:
- info@dovehealthcare.com
- 715-723-9348, ext 1250
- https://www.dovehealthcare.com/rehabilitation.phtml
Source: Physical Activity Benefits for Adults 65 or Older | Physical Activity Basics | CDC
