Many people believe that the older they get the more they should slow down to prevent accidents and injuries; but this could not be further from the truth! In fact, regular exercise is vital to good health at any age. Whether you’re 5 or 100, staying active can positively affect many areas of your life and overall well-being.

According to the CDC, adults aged 65 and older should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity. For some, this could mean just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week of brisk walking.

At The Reserve of Geneva, we encourage healthy, active living through a variety of amenities, services and activities. In fact, our vibrant, lively community is one of the main reasons adults 55 and older decide to call The Reserve home.

Here’s a closer look at the many benefits of staying active as you age.

Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults

• Active Adults Have Better Overall Health
  Routine exercise can improve brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk for age-related health conditions and improve overall quality of life. Even light daily activity, such as walking, can be a powerful form of exercise to prevent common chronic diseases, like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even certain cancers in older adults.

• Exercise Helps Maintain Independence
  Falling is one of the most common reasons for injuries in aging adults. According to the CDC, about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year. Approximately 3 million of those falls are treated in emergency departments.
  
  Staying physically active is one of the best ways to prevent fall-related injuries, like fractured bones, as you get older. Adults who exercise regularly have better balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and endurance—all of which help support an independent lifestyle. By prioritizing your physical health now, you will help maintain your ability to live independently in your older years.

• Staying Active Prevents Muscle Loss
  Loss of muscle mass is a common consequence of aging. How much muscle and how fast it is lost is largely dependent on how well adults take care of their bodies. That’s why adults are encouraged to make exercise a part of their daily routine to increase strength, improve mobility and reduce muscle atrophy caused by the aging process.

• Improves Mood and Quality of Life
  Regular exercise can be especially important for older adults’ mental health as seniors are vulnerable to anxiety, depression and other emotional challenges. When you exercise, your brain releases powerful endorphins that stimulate your mind and body. These mood-boosting endorphins can help naturally reduce depression and anxiety by creating a sense of well-being in the brain. Even more, studies show that older adults who incorporate physical activity into their daily routine are at a decreased risk for memory loss, sleep better at night, have increased energy levels and an overall enhanced mood.

Staying Active at The Reserve

At The Reserve, staying active means different things to different residents. Our fully-equipped fitness center boasts a variety of machines and weights to help you reach your fitness goals. If you love working out with others, join one of our many group classes or try a gentle yoga class. Love to walk or bike? Geneva’s scenic trails and walking paths weave throughout town and the surrounding neighborhoods. Grab a friend and start walking together daily or ride your bike with your grandkids to a nearby park. The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and that you can stick with over time.