Slow down the ageing process with exercise
BY age 50 some people begin to face health issues that come with ageing — issues such as heart disease, mental illness, diabetes and arthritis. But over the years experts have realised that physical activity can help alleviate some of these ailments.
Fitness and Wellness Coach Rohan Gordon recommends that people make exercise part of their daily lifestyle from early adulthood. This will better help keep common age-related illnesses at bay.
Gordon says physical activity is critical to:
1. Keep the body at a low risk for illnesses
Exercise keeps the body fit and makes it more resistant to illnesses.
2. Reduce inflammation that comes with ageing
Although inflammation’s primary role is to protect the body from damage and disease by releasing cells and mediators that combat foreign substances, Gordon says as a person gets older it can cause illnesses such as arthritis and heart disease.
3. Boost mental health
Physical activity keeps your blood flowing and sends enough oxygen to the brain. This can keep your faculties intact much longer than expected.
According to Gordon, you can exercise up to five times a day irrespective of your age. However, you should not overexert yourself, as this can lead to injuries like torn tissues and muscles. Torn tissues and muscles are harder to recover from when you are older.
Gordon approves of older persons doing exercises such as swimming, cycling, walking and running, as long as they are able to. If you cannot swim, you can do other exercises in the water with assistance from tools such as aqua jogger, aqua jogger weights, kickboards and noodles.
If for whatever reason you become disabled and no longer have the use of your legs, he recommends that you do deep breaths and stretches regularly. Persons with this disability can also do water exercises because the buoyancy in the water will keep them afloat. Another option is to invest in a hand cycle where you pedal using your hands. This activity builds strength in your upper body, and makes doing tasks easier and more manageable.
Exercise adds more years to your life because it keeps you healthy, it keeps you active (mentally and physically), and it gives you the necessary strength to do tasks.
