How Does Exercise Affect the Process of Aging?

Slowing down the aging process helps seniors live longer and happier lives. While many factors go into how quickly a person ages, exercise is one way to slow the process down. When seniors engage in exercise regularly, their bodies receive a few key benefits that help them feel and look younger than their years.

Gets Blood Flowing to Vital Organs

As a person ages, blood flow in the body tends to decrease, which is typically due to a sedentary lifestyle that slows the heartbeat. Exercise can get the heart rate up so blood can flow better to every organ. As the heart, kidneys, and other organs get more blood, they’re better able to perform their vital functions.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, hiring a trained caregiver to take over on occasion is a great option. Winnipeg respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

Increases Lung Capacity

Respiratory ailments become a bigger concern in the senior years. Although seniors might not be able to run a mile as quickly as they did during their youth, they can still continue to jog and build their lung capacity. When the lungs hold more air, seniors are less likely to experience shortness of breath and coughing fits. They’ll also have more oxygenated blood reaching the brain.

Promotes a Fresh Mental Outlook

Mental status also affects the aging process. Exercise promotes a positive mindset that helps seniors choose to keep living a healthy lifestyle. During an exercise session, endorphins are released in the body that help seniors feel better about life in general.

Keeps Joints and Muscles Limber

Older adults often experience stiffness in the joints and muscles, placing them at risk for injuries. Stiffness and pain can also make it difficult to get around independently. Exercising increases strength and flexibility in all the parts of the body, slowing age-related changes such as weakness in the muscles that hasten aging.
If you have any concerns about your loved one’s ability to exercise safely, consider hiring an in-home caregiver to provide assistance. Winnipeg home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

Enhances Digestion

Exercise also affects a senior’s digestion. During a workout, more blood flow occurs within the stomach and intestines. Seniors who exercise are also more likely to drink water, and proper hydration can prevent digestive issues such as constipation. The muscle contractions that occur as seniors walk or jog push food through the digestive system. All these benefits add up to a senior’s body being able to process food better, which allows each meal to provide a nutritional boost that ensures the body receives vitamins and nutrients that slow the aging process.

Speeds Recovery from Injuries

After an injury, it’s important to follow the physician’s instructions for aftercare. However, there are times when exercise is necessary to stop an injury from contributing to the aging process. For instance, therapeutic exercises meant to restore flexibility and rebuild strength are provided to people recovering from surgery or injuries. Seniors who do these exercises are more likely to return to their previous state of health rather than needing a greater level of care as they age.
Assistance with exercising safely is just one of the benefits seniors receive when families enlist the help of trained professional caregivers. Winnipeg senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Rely on the professionals at Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. If you need professional in-home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000.