How to Promote Fitness Among Seniors

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How to Promote Fitness Among Seniors  

Seniors represent 14.5% of the US population according to the Census Bureau. This means that the number of elderly people, 65 years or older stands at 46.5 million based on the 2014 statistics. Aging has many repercussions including declining mental and physical functioning.  Good health, therefore, is key in coping with the effects of getting old with exercise or physical activity an essential part of lifestyles. However, for seniors who have not been exercising before retirement, this can become a difficult task or a daunting prospect.

Luckily, there are several ways seniors can ease into physical activity. One is to hire a fitness trainer to help seniors exercise safely if clearance has been granted by a physician. Trainers can also design and monitor a fitness program for the elderly. With the right exercises, seniors can benefit from cardiovascular fitness, improved muscle strength and healthier bones & joints. Risks of dying from certain diseases such as heart attack and cancer are also reduced. In addition, physical activity lessens feelings of depression & anxiety and helps improve moods & emotional well-being. Additional tips on how the elderly can improve their health are explained in this article.