Seniors Workout In The 21st Century

Challenging workouts and vigorous exercise have replaced shuffleboard and dominoes in the lives of 21st Century seniors. With plans to live into their 90’s and beyond, older fitness enthusiasts as well as seniors who never thought about exercise when they were young are now part of the workout craze. Especially for seniors who are retired or working from home, a daily workout is an incentive to get the body moving. Keeping physically fit is just as important as keeping mentally fit, and seniors understand the 'Point A to Point B' relationship between a body in peak condition and a mind that is, too.

Who Says Seniors Don’t Have Time For Health?

Senior health is a popular topic these days as aging baby boomers try to figure out the best ways to keep enjoying their goldenyears… which happily are lasting longer and longer in the 21st Century. Senior fitness is also an important issue as technology and labor-saving devices have created a landscape where 'hard work' is diminished… but so are the long-term health benefits that come from leading an active life. And senior health is also a key to a healthy mind. Numerous studies point to a strong connection between regular exercise and emotional stability, providing strong evidence that many seniors can literally exercise away their depression.

The ABC of Senior Exercise

For optimum senior health, the ABC of older fitness is actually ESC – Endurance, Strength and Cardio. These three forms of exercise target different senior health needs and should all be integrated into your workout program. Endurance exercise increases blood flow and may protect older people from cardiac injury during a heart attack, according to a new University of Florida study. Strength exercises increase muscle mass and improve metabolism which aids in maintaining a healthy weight…a key challenge in senior health. Workouts that target the cardiovascular system promote heart health. Add stretching and balance exercises for a complete approach to senior health and overall senior fitness.

Fit Seniors Are Smart Seniors, Literally!

When seniors exercise, their workout a positive effect on muscles, joints, and bones. But the amazing news is that exercise for seniors provides far more than just physical fitness. Literally providing a workout for the brain as well as the body, exercise supports senior health by improving blood flow and increasing metabolism. Overall brain function is also improved thanks to better circulation. This can bring a dramatic improvement to a senior’s metal acuity and memory function. Seniors who workout regularly, report that their exercise program leaves them feeling positive and happy, with a positive attitude that carries over into non-workout hours.

The Right Workout for Seniors

Seniors at the turn of the 20th Century didn’t have a lot of choice when it came to exercise. Today, however, the health and fitness industry is a $35 billion business, and health clubs pay The evidence points to lots of attention paid to senior workout programs and older fitness topics. Targeting seniors who want to raise their heart rate, fitness clubs offer classes like aqua aerobics and low impact aerobics. Other popular fitness classes that promote senior health include yoga and Tai Chi. Regardless of the exercise being performed a group workout session also offers important social benefits like support and camaraderie.

Senior Health Is the Ultimate Reward

Seniors who prioritize their health with regular exercise, including strength training and aerobic exercise, may be able to significantly reverse or delay some of the physiological losses tied to aging. 21st Century research shows that fitness benefits for seniors include decreased resting blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease. And seniors who exercise regularly also enjoy increased bone density, lower body fat, better balance, and improved strength. Seniors who ignore fitness put themselves at increased risk for everything from bone fractures to Type 2 Diabetes. On a positive note, even moderate exercise yields major improvements in senior health.

Seniors Helping Seniors - and Juniors, Too

Seniors in the 20th Century mostly had to go it alone in their quest for fitness and health. Exercise was thought of as something for young people; and fear that exertion might raise a seniors heart rate kept many elder people sedentary…and at greater risk for the problems they were trying to avoid. Today, older fitness enthusiasts with decades of exercise and health behind them serve as inspiration and motivation for fellow seniors. Older fitness experts are also serving as mentors and ‘gurus’ to young exercise fans. It is increasingly common for seniors to be workout buddies with partners who are half their age.