Benefits of Staying Active as You Age

Health Benefits of Staying Active as a Senior

Oftentimes, as people get older, issues like chronic pain or unchecked injury may get in the way of staying active. However, staying active can also prevent these issues from arising altogether. From strengthening your muscles to preventing chronic disease, leading an active lifestyle can help benefit various areas of your health. Here's what you should know.

Supports Your Mental Health

Spending a lot of time sitting, lying down, or being indoors can lead to and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. When you get regular exercise, your brain releases endorphins that can also trigger a positive sense of wellbeing. So put down the television remote and get up and get moving.

Prevents Bone Loss

As you get older, you begin to lose bone density because your body is reabsorbing the calcium stored in your bones. With regular physical activity, you can maintain and increase your muscle strength, which helps to protect your bones from breaks and fractures. Similar to muscle, bone tissue also responds to exercise by becoming stronger and more resilient.

Reduces Risk of Chronic Illness

While we’ve all heard that getting exercise is good for you, it’s essential to understand what staying physically active is actually protecting you from. Adding regular exercise to your routine can help to:

• Reduce your risk of heart disease
• Manage your insulin levels
• Reduce your risk of some cancers including colon, breast, and lung cancer
• Maintain a healthy weight, reducing risk of obesity

Supports Brain Function

As we continue to age, our brains change in many ways, however, some of the most notable ways are that the brain decreases in size and in cognitive function. Getting regular physical activity causes your brain to release proteins and other chemicals that help to improve the structure as well as the function of your brain.

Primary and Specialty Care in Henry County

At Henry County Hospital, we’ve been providing compassionate healthcare since 1919. When it comes to primary and specialty care, each patient can expect individualized care that meets their needs. From education to emotional support, we focus on your individual health and wellness.