When you reach a certain age, playing sports becomes somewhat difficult. You want to stay active but do not know how to or even which sport to play? No worries, we will give you some advice in this article, so keep reading! Plus, you will find out a lot of things on the benefits of physical activity at any age.
What are the benefits of a physical activity for seniors?
At any age, playing sport and staying is of the utmost importance. Indeed, playing sports have substantial advantages. For older people, it can have protective effects against some pathologies:
- Arthritis,
- cardiovascular diseases,
- type 2 diabetes,
- cancers (such as colon or breast cancer),
- osteoporosis,
- hypertension,
- anxiety,
- depression.
It is also important to keep in mind that playing sports at a certain age is good for motor functions, as well as cognitive functions. Another positive aspect of a physical activity can be found on sleep and moods, which are improved overtime.
Playing sports can also be a social activity, which some older people lack off. It allows for people to be a part of a club or community. All in all, an athletic senior will have a better quality of life.
Why are elderly people generally less active?
We must acknowledge that with age, people are less active. But why is that?
Age brings a lot of explanation to that question. Here some reasons why:
- The fear of falling.
- Health conditions in decline.
- Isolation, which leads to a lack of motivation.
- The loss of autonomy.
- The lack of knowledge about the benefits of physical activity and sports.
Of course, it is not the case for all seniors, but it is not uncommon to see older people who are not very active. In addition, some people have never really felt the need to exercise.
What sports are recommended for elderly people?
If you want to get back into sports, we have compiled a few ideas of sports and physical activities you can do:
- Playing sports for pleasure like swimming or dancing.
- Going on walks or bike rides for short trips.
- Doing daily chores.
- Going on sports classes adapted for seniors like yoga or aerobics.
You can also find ways to practice a sport to help with posture and balance which will help prevent falls.
If you want to do some exercise at home you can easily download the documents with different types of exercises for posture, balance, arms, legs… Exercising daily can help you feel better in your body but also in your mind.
As you can see, it is perfectly possible to find physical activities for seniors. It all depends on what you want to do and how you want to do it.