Exercise, the key to staying healthy in old age
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults aged 65 and over should maintain 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, combined with muscle-strengthening and balance exercises.
Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, MD, community health expert at National Health Service (UK), emphasized: Foreign exercise is the simplest but most effective habit to slow down the aging process. It helps people maintain independence, quality of life and even prolong life".
Maintaining exercise not only keeps the body flexible but also prevents the risk of falls, the leading cause of disability in the elderly. Studies show that regular exercise helps improve strength, coordination and balance, thereby protecting the ability to move independently.
Exercise helps protect the brain, cardiovascular and mental health
In addition to muscle effects, physical activity also has comprehensive health benefits. According to Dr. Heidi Moawad, MD, a neurologist at Case Western Reserve University (USA): Exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain, maintain cognitive ability and reduce the risk of dementia. At the same time, it also supports mental health, limiting depression and anxiety".
Regular physical activity also contributes to weight control, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and inflammatory disorders. When the body is moved, the metabolism becomes more flexible, helping to consume calories effectively and stabilize blood sugar.
Recent medical research shows that people who maintain exercise have a lower risk of chronic diseases, while living more actively and calmly than those with less exercise.
Starting with small steps every day
You don't need to do high-intensity exercise right away. The CDC recommends choosing activities that are suitable for your health and personal interests: walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, cardamom or gardening. The most important thing is to maintain a daily exercise routine.
As Dr. Imtiaz affirms: Even when suffering from a chronic disease, gentle exercise still brings clear benefits. The key is to start with small steps and stick to it.
