Embracing Ageing through Regular Exercise
The role of regular exercise and ageing, a topic gaining traction in the health and fitness sector, is crucial to understand.
Ageing is an inevitable process that brings alterations in our bodies and minds. But these changes don’t need to be our downfall. With an active lifestyle, primarily involving regular exercise, we can positively embrace ageing and enhance our quality of life.
In this blog post, I will take you through scientific research emphasising the benefits of regular exercise in ageing. And I will also share some practical advice on incorporating exercise into your daily routines.
As suggested by a study, consistent physical activity can lead to significant health benefits for older adults. So, let’s learn about the empowering role of regular exercise in the ageing process.
Interpreting the Natural Process of Ageing
Ageing is a natural process, often seen as a time of decline. However, it is an inherent part of life, impacting every living organism. Ageing denotes a phase where our bodies undergo various biological transformations. Our cells gradually lose functionality or don’t perform as efficiently as they once did. These changes can influence our physical and mental capacities.
But ageing isn’t solely about physical changes. It involves adapting to new roles and experiences. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults isn’t solely determined by the presence or absence of diseases. It’s also shaped by engagement in meaningful activities and social relationships.
In the subsequent sections, we will look further into how regular exercise can assist in managing ageing-induced changes and improve the overall quality of life.
The Benefits of Regular Exercise in Ageing
The ageing process naturally changes our bodies, such as decreased muscle mass and function, a condition known as sarcopenia. This often results in diminished strength, balance, and mobility. However, regular exercise and ageing do not need to become a fear. Regular exercise can play a transformative role in this narrative as a powerful tool to combat these effects.
Regular exercise offers a multitude of health-related outcomes, optimised through an individualised exercise prescription. It’s not just about maintaining physical fitness; it’s about fostering independence and improving the quality of life in our later years.
For example, resistance training is a critical component of exercise prescription. It helps improve muscle strength, a vital factor for successful and independent ageing.
Medication and Hydration in Ageing: The Role of Exercise
In addition to its numerous physical benefits, exercise plays a pivotal role in managing medication and hydration—two critical considerations in ageing. With an estimated 81% of individuals between the ages of 57 and 85 years regularly using at least one prescription medication, understanding the interplay between exercise and medication is crucial.
Prescription medication can alter the expected physiological response to exercise. A thorough understanding of a medication’s pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and potential adverse reactions associated with the activity is needed.
Hydration, too, holds a significant place in the discussion of regular exercise and ageing. Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration than other age groups, and fluid replacement can be complex due to various variables. However, it’s crucial for rehydration before, during, and after exercise.
Fluid replacement for older adults who exercise should be individualised to prevent dehydration and hyperhydration.
Regular Exercise and Ageing
Studying published research shows that regular exercise and ageing are undeniably interconnected. Exercise physiology has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, highlighting the significance of an active lifestyle in ageing.
Research has shown that regular exercise can help slow down, or even reverse, some age-related declines. For instance, a study found that older adults who participated in regular physical activity had improved cardiovascular function, decreasing the risk of developing heart diseases.
Another profound discovery is the impact of exercise on cognitive health. Physical activity promotes better mental function, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Regular Exercise and Ageing: A Conclusion Drawn from Science
One thing is evident in the science of regular exercise and ageing: research stands firmly behind the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle as we age.
Regular exercise brings numerous health benefits, from physical to cognitive, and is a potent tool in our fight against the impacts of ageing. It enhances cardiovascular health, fortifies mental capacities, and empowers older adults to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Furthermore, regular exercise is pivotal in managing medication and hydration—two critical considerations in ageing. It necessitates careful considerations for prescription medication use and hydration levels.
Regular exercise is not merely a recommendation but an essential component of embracing and thriving in the ageing process.
It’s not just about adding years to our life; it’s about adding life to our years. And there’s no better time to start incorporating regular exercise into your daily routines. After all, a healthier and more fulfilling ageing journey awaits.
Sources
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- Qato, D. M., Alexander, G. C., Conti, R. M., Johnson, M., Schumm, P., & Lindau, S. T. (2008). Use of prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements among older adults in the United States. Jama, 300(24), 2867-2878.
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