Importance of Physical Activity in Older Age

It is a well-known fact that people who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to get sick and, on average, live shorter lives than those who are active and engage in sports activities. The ability to engage in intensive sports activities decreases with age, but it is in old age that it is important to maintain physical activity, since the lack of physical activity accelerates the ageing process of the body and aggravates the course of many diseases characteristic of old age. According to doctors, physically active elderly people have better cardiovascular and respiratory systems, higher physical and mental performance, better memory and coordination of movements, and, accordingly, they are more independent and confident in their abilities.

In old age, physical exercise and regular activity are necessary to slow down the ageing process, prevent age-related diseases and strengthen the body. Even the presence of chronic diseases is not a contraindication to moderate feasible physical activity. Of course, there are examples of successful older athletes and even long-lived athletes, but in old age, it is not sports that are recommended, but rather health-improving physical activity and exercises selected taking into account the capabilities and health of the elderly person.

Benefits of Physical Activity

• Enhancement of physical and intellectual performance
• Improvement of performance of all body systems – cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and others
• Increased immunity
• Acceleration of metabolism, reduction of the risk of developing many age-related diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes
• Reduction of excess weight
• Strengthening of the muscles
• Enhancement of joint mobility
• Improvement of movement coordination
• Stress reduction and mood improvement
• Improvement of sleep quality
• Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
• Longer active independent life

When choosing physical activity and selecting exercises for an elderly person, it is important to take into account their individual characteristics. First and foremost, these are age-related changes and health conditions – an elderly person may have dizziness, impaired coordination of movements, vision problems, incontinence or other disorders that can be a limiting factor when choosing an activity. Therefore, before starting any activity, it is advisable to consult a doctor, and this is especially important for those persons who have any chronic diseases. It is better to choose a type of activity that brings joy, forasmuch as regular exercise will be both beneficial and enjoyable.