In honor of Healthy Aging Month, we want to help support the health of aging older adults. It’s important to us and to them that they maintain their independence and health. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we want to advocate for our aging adults because staying active while aging helps your health tremendously.
On the other hand, if you suffer from serious health problems as an older adult, it’s best to consult your local medical staff near mid-Missouri.
Staying Active as an Older Adult Can:
- Reduce pain
- Lower the risk for a stroke, diabetes, and heart disease
- Increase cognitive ability, such as, thinking and learning
- Improve your strength and balance
2.5 Hours a Week Is All You Need
Even if you’re not currently active, that’s okay. Start off slowly. Even being active for as little as 5 minutes at first has pay-off! Plus, it’s easy to choose activities that get your blood pumping, such as, dancing, swimming, or even household chores. Then you can work up to 30 minutes a day.
Balance Exercises are Important!
Balance is crucial to avoid and lessen injury while aging. Start small and work your way up. A great basic exercise is to practice balancing on one foot at a time (even if you have to hold onto something.) Walking backwards or even sideways is another great exercise. Yoga classes or practicing yoga doesn’t hurt either.
Strengthening Exercises Are Beneficial, Too
Building muscle as our bodies start breaking down is a good way to lengthen our physical health. Building muscle doesn’t need to be strenuous. Even using exercise bands or using hand weight dumbbells are super great.
Practice getting better at each of these activities to create a more independent and healthy living situation. If you have trouble breathing or severe pain performing any of the above activities, give us a call. Central Ozarks Medical Center wishes you a Happy Healthy Aging Month!
Follow along with our blogs to get more health and lifestyle pointers to keep you out of our office more than once a year!
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