Photo credits: blog.pennlive.com
Lots of people think that getting older is a reason to embrace a less active lifestyle. However, maintaining high activity as we get older can not only reduce the impact of a considerable number of factors which accelerate the aging process, but also improve the quality of life, largely in the form of maintaining stronger muscles to better cope with everyday mobility.
We all get older, no arguing with that, and an inevitable decline in almost all biological functions is taking place. That's a reality. Yet, hitting the goals of successful aging - that is, to get older with a minimum risk of disease and disability, with high mental and physical ability, and to preserve life activity - is what we all seek but not what we all work at.
When discussing the countless benefits of keeping a high level of physical activity, we don’t just emphasize physical health. High physical activity also promotes self-esteem by keeping as youthful a look as possible, improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and allowing enjoyment of our golden years with the best physical and mental health ever.
Using the concept of “the best investment should be in our health” we are going to emphasize more evidence-proven merits of maintaining a high level of activity as we get older.
Using exercise to manage Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength with aging, affecting 8.8% of young old women and 17.5% of old old men. Sarcopenia impacts the quality of life of older adults largely in terms of mobility and performing everyday life activities (1).