Exercise In My EIGHTIES?? Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

 The benefits of exercise for seniors are numerous! 

Researchers at Harvard Medical School tested the hypothesis that physical frailty is partially caused by skeletal-muscle disuse and should therefore be reduced through exercise interventions.

The study involved 100 seniors, including people with arthritis, lung disease, and dementia. One group of seniors, the control group, participated in normal activities, while the other group participated in resistance training three times a week, using exercise machines to strengthen their thighs and knees.

After a ten-week period, the seniors who in the resistance training group increased their muscle strength by 113 percent, increased their walking speed by 12 percent, and increased their ability to climb stairs by 28 percent. Four seniors who had needed walkers became able to walk with a cane.  So the benefits were clear!

But where do you start?

Chair exercise is a great place to start! It can be done at a variety of fitness levels, and no special equipment is needed.

Here are some other great exercises to try! And of course, be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning any fitness routine. Listen to your body, it will tell you when you've done enough. Don't push yourself beyond your comfort level.

Check out these 15 exercises that you can do anywhere you have a chair!

Simple Strength, Balance, and Flexibility Exercises to Do at Home