Swimming is a great activity for everyone, especially seniors. Aside from being fun, swimming is also a type of exercise. It keeps the heart rate up and improves overall cardiovascular health. This activity will benefit seniors and those who are suffering from injuries or other conditions related to aging.
Being active is critical for seniors to stay healthy. Swimming is a low-impact type of workout which is ideal for older adults. It’s a great idea to spend time in the pool this summer. Aside from it being fun, it will help you to get the health benefits of swimming. Below are the reasons why it’s good for seniors.
1.) Swimming Is Best for Aging Bones and Joints
It’s recommended to have a low-impact exercise when you reach your senior years. Swimming is one of the best workouts for aging bones and joints. It will not put too much pressure on your spine and other body parts. The buoyancy of the water will support your weight to avoid strain.
For seniors who suffer from health concerns such as fibromyalgia or arthritis, swimming can be beneficial. Based on a study in 2016, swimming can relieve the pain from these conditions. It will improve the quality of your life by spending more time in the pool. Swimming is easier for your joints while keeping you active.
Another condition that affects seniors is osteoporosis. It’s a chronic condition that affects the bones and joints. As we age, the possibility of developing osteoporosis increases. A lot of people from the age of 50 years old suffer from low bone mass. The possibility of suffering from osteoporosis is due to age and other factors.
Swimming will help to improve bone mineral density in the spine. Based on the analysis published by BioMed Research International, swimming may prevent or treat osteoporosis. It will help to increase bone density and improve the condition of the person who is suffering from this condition.
2.) Good for Range of Motion and Better Flexibility
A low-impact exercise such as swimming reduces strain on the joints. The buoyancy of the water makes it easier for the person to move. Swimming regularly will help the joints to be more flexible. They may find it difficult to move on land but swimming in the water is the best solution.
Water exercise such as swimming is a painless activity. It will not cause any injuries while working out in the water. Swimming is an ideal aerobic exercise for seniors. This activity is also more enjoyable for most people. It will not strain your muscles or cause any pain from being active.
3.) Helps Seniors to Have Better Balance
Having a stable posture will prevent you from falling and injuring yourself. Swimming will help you to improve your balance. It will make your muscles stronger such as the upper body, core, and leg muscles. These are important to achieve a better balance and prevent you from falling accidentally.
A study that was conducted in Australia found that 33% of men from 70 and above don’t fall as much as those who don’t swim. Men who swim are not at risk of falling. Their posture is more stable and balanced because of this exercise. People who work out are not prone to falling compared to others.
People who exercise have better postures and balance. They don’t need to worry about the risk of falling and suffering from injuries. Other types of exercise are recommended to strengthen your body. It’s important to live an active lifestyle as you age to prevent the risk of falling and injuring yourself.
4.) Keeps the Cardiovascular System Healthy
Swimming can prevent coronary heart disease, according to the Swim Strong Foundation. To have this health benefit, swim for at least 30 minutes daily. Doing so will also prevent the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Swimming for 30 minutes can burn up to 900 calories. It helps you also stay in shape.
Doing aerobic exercise regularly can decrease blood pressure levels. It can also help maintain cholesterol at a healthy level. Swimming is a type of aerobic exercise that can make your heart strong. It can prevent heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases that come with aging.
5.) Prevents Insomnia and Reduces Anxiety
Many seniors have a hard time sleeping or even suffer from insomnia. Poor sleeping habits are bad for your health. Swimming and other aerobic workouts promote better sleep. It’s recommended for seniors to avoid insomnia. Swimming can also provide a better quality of life for seniors.
Swimming can efficiently burn calories, and it’s a total body workout. After you swim a few laps, it will wear you out. That will make sleeping easier since you’re tired from that activity. Some people also noticed that swimming relaxes them. It will help you fall asleep a lot easier
Another benefit of swimming is that it can reduce anxiety. It will relax your body and mind, which helps fight stress. Swimming is good for both your physical and mental health. It will also boost your self-esteem when you participate in activities for your group. When you swim regularly, it will be beneficial for your overall health.
6.) Opportunity to Socialize With Other People
Seniors also need to socialize and have fun activities with people their age. Having a swimming group and exercising with them can uplift your spirit. It’s also good to have opportunities to meet new people. Socializing while doing aerobic exercise will make it more enjoyable.
Participating in group activities can help seniors to have balanced health. They need to see other people and avoid isolating themselves, which may lead to depression. Socializing with other seniors will give you a sense of community. It can also make you feel connected socially.
Seniors who suffer from arthritis can swim without feeling pain. Unfortunately, arthritis pain is common for older adults, and swimming is the best exercise for most of them. Unlike other types of workouts, swimming is easier for seniors. They can participate in swimming lessons and make it their long-term activity.