Exercising In Your Later Years – Why Is This Important?

19 Mar Exercising In Your Later Years – Why Is This Important?

From Our Orthopedic Doctor in Brooklyn

As our age continues to increase, so can the urge to kick back and relax while enjoying retirement. However, continuing to exercise, even in your advanced years, has many benefits. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our team is dedicated to keeping patients of all ages healthy. Our orthopedic doctor in Brooklyn wants to share the importance of exercising at an elderly age and how it will help you remain healthy.  

Muscle Mass Decreases With Age

Having a healthy muscle mass will go a long way in keeping you balanced and the health of your bones strong. Once we reach the age of 40, however, muscle mass can begin to drop fast. Inactive adults can lose 3% to 5% of muscle mass each decade after hitting this milestone age. A substantial loss of muscle will make movement both painful and difficult. To stay out of the need for constant medical attention as a result of this, our orthopedic doctor in Brooklyn suggests always sticking to a strength training regimen, no matter your age.

Improve Your Healing

Older adults tend to be more susceptible to wounds than younger ones. While certain wounds can take a long time to heal, older adults who exercise see wounds heal 25% faster than ones who don’t. In addition to this, active adults have an easier time battling illnesses and infection, allowing them to stay healthy throughout retirement.

Combat Chronic Disease  

As well as fighting off minor illnesses and infections, exercising also reduces the risk of developing chronic, more serious ones. Examples of conditions that may be able to be avoided by staying active include:

• Diabetes.
• Cancer.
• Heart disease.
• Osteoporosis.
• Strokes.        

Increased Quality Of Life

An object in motion stays in motion. This basic law of physics also applies to the human body. Studies have shown that elderly adults who regularly exercise not only reap physical benefits but mental ones as well. Exercising can help fight off symptoms of depression and releases natural endorphins to boost your overall mood. From a physical standpoint, it helps keep your joints and muscles loose, allowing you to stay moving longer without facing pain.

Orthopedic Doctor in Brooklyn

Contrary to popular belief, old age is not the cause of mobility problems and body pain. Living a sedentary lifestyle is likely the real culprit at work. However, it’s never too late to start making changes. If you’ve recently suffered an injury as a result of being inactive, schedule an appointment with our orthopedic doctor in Brooklyn today. Once you’ve arrived at our facility, the team at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation will provide treatment for your condition, then give you exercise advice to help eliminate the risk of it ever occurring again.