Physical exercise in the elderly
With scientific and technological advances, today’s society lives longer, although more and more chronic diseases appear that jeopardize active aging. Thus, this natural and gradual process is accompanied by several changes that jeopardize functional autonomy for the performance of activities of daily living:
- Changes in gait and posture;
- Decreased muscle strength and flexibility;
- Wear of bones and joints (appearance of arthrosis);
- Slowing of movements and alteration of balance, increasing the risk of falling;
- Onset of chronic degenerative and cerebrovascular diseases (such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, cholesterol, Arterial Hypertension, among others);
- Decreased visual and auditory acuity;
- Less effort tolerance.
According to the Directorate-General for Health, 49% of individuals aged between 65 and 74 years and 54% of individuals aged 75 and over, consider their health as bad or very bad. Controlled and regular physical exercise allows you to achieve essential benefits to your health and quality of life:
- Allows for well-being, relieving stress, anxiety and depression;
- Increases muscle strength and flexibility;
- Reduces body weight;
- Strengthens bones and joints, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fracture;
- Helps to control cardiovascular diseases, increasing stress tolerance;
- Favors brain activity and memory;
- Improves balance and gait.