Benefits of Swimming for Seniors

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), adults over the age of 65 need at least two hours and thirty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. In addition, seniors also need to practice muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week that work all of the major muscle groups.

One excellent way to knock out both recommended workouts in a way that’s easy on the body? Swimming! People of all ages can reap the benefits of this ultimate aerobic workout. As a plus, regular swimming can help you feel mentally fit as well as physically strong. Here are a few reasons why home nursing care patients in Chesterfield should incorporate swimming into their fitness routines.

Combines Cardio & Strength Training

Swimming is one of the best ways to meet the CDC’s weekly fitness requirements for older adults. This all-in-one workout works nearly every muscle in your body and helps build mass as you burn fat. Your muscles also experience constant resistance as you push through the water, helping you to build strength.

Aerobics also encourages the heart to become stronger and pump blood more efficiently through your body, which will reduce your risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Easy On The Joints

Since swimming isn’t a weight-bearing activity, it’s easy on the joints. This is a major benefit for seniors who suffer from joint pain, hip issues, or other types of discomfort in the body. As a plus, regular swimming can improve bone mineral density, which helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Great For Socializing

Depression and social isolation can be common in older adults. Swimming provides a great social outlet, since you’re very likely to meet other people while at the pool. There are also several swimming groups that seniors can join where they will meet up with others to swim together.

Lowers Risk of Falls

With one in three older adults experiencing a fall annually, falls present a major health risk for older adults. In fact, a recent fall is a major reason why many seek out home nursing care in Macomb. A 2014 study found that swimming might help lower risk of falls thanks to its help with strengthening and stabilizing core muscles. This provides seniors with better balance control that can help them stay upright.

Makes You Sharper

Establishing a regular swimming routine won’t just make you physically fit. Taking laps around the pool been shown to improve memory function and problem-solving skills, improve mood and reduce stress levels. In fact, research also suggests that aerobic exercise (when performed regularly) can increase the size of your hippocampus, which is responsible for verbal memory and learning. These are all excellent ways to stave off memory problems, including the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.