As we get older, it’s so important we still take the time to concentrate on our physical health. Not only does it have a knock-on effect on our mental health, but it can also play a huge part in maintaining the likes of our strength, balance and overall mobility.
This in turn, keeps us independent and thriving as we enter the latter stages of our lives. However, choosing an exercise to keep us active can be a little more difficult. After all, the days of running may be long gone.
Swimming is one of the more accessible and beneficial exercises to take up as we enter the later stages of our lives, and it’s something that even many senior care homes offer as part of a weekly routine. And that’s because of the improvements it can have on a person’s life.
But why exactly is swimming so ideal for seniors as their way of accessing exercise?
Low Impact on Joints
First and foremost, one of the biggest benefits is that it is low impact in its nature. Water supports the body and reduces the strain on joints, muscles and bones, essentially the opposite of any physical activity that involves running, walking or jumping.
This can be especially beneficial to those who suffer from joint pain, or the likes of arthiritis and osteoporosis, reducing pain but still increasing physical fitness.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
A major benefit is that swimming is an excellent workout for the heart. It improves our circulation, lowers blood pressure and overall increases the efficiency of the cardiovascular system.
Heart health is always a big concern for people as they enter older age and swimming is one of the more unique exercises in that it can provide a full body workout without putting any undue stress on the body.
Enhances Muscle Strength and Flexibility
Naturally, the exercise is also going to improve muscle strength and flexibility. This is especially the case due to the resistance of the water. Our muscle mass can diminish with age, so it’s important to maintain this. Swimming has the power to improve flexibility in the shoulders, hips and legs, which in turn improves posture, balance and flexibility.
Boosts Mental Health
The mental benefits of swimming are also there. The rhythmic nature of the exercise can be incredibly soothing, reducing the likes of anxiety, stress and depression. What’s more, you also get that endorphin kick as well as the social interactions also found in the pool also potentially reducing the risk of isolation and loneliness, which affects a significant amount of the elderly population.
Promotes a Healthy Weight
As a result of exercise, people can manage their weight better. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for seniors in preventing the likes of heart disease, diabetes and various cancers. Swimming is one of the most efficient ways to burn calories and is a brilliant way to ensure you maintain a healthy weight.
Improves Sleep and Cognitive Function
Regular exercise, in any form, helps improve sleeping patterns which is hugely important for our health. A quality night’s sleep improves cognitive function, repairs our body more efficiently and generally improves our mood and energy levels.
In fact, quality sleep associated with exercise has been shown to potentially delay the onset of dementia.
Safe and Year-Round
Finally, it’s a year-round exercise. The leisure centre is open all year round, while the lido opens its doors during the summer months. It can be practiced year round, without the fear of the weather, while the risk of injury is far lower than other forms of exercise, allowing for a consistent routine that can have a huge impact on your life.
