Fitness > Benefits of Cycling for Seniors as A Healthy Hobby
26th Aug 2022
Benefits of Cycling
Fitness

Benefits of Cycling for Seniors as A Healthy Hobby

An excellent way to venture outside and breathe fresh air is to ride a bike. It is a beautiful way to discover your neighbourhood or the nearby parks and beaches, and it is a fantastic way to engage with your loved ones and friends. Cycling is environmentally friendly transportation and can be a great way to get to work or manage chores. The cycling benefits for recreation and exercise for seniors are several as long as you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment and are riding a bicycle that is the right size and configuration for you.

How to select the best cycle for seniors?

It is a healthful form of exercise and a green alternative to driving in a world full of gas guzzlers. The best bicycles for seniors include hybrid models with on-demand electric motors. A hybrid bike offers exercise for tasks like grocery shopping, and it also enables senior riders to travel farther without concern. Whether you opt for a standard or hybrid bicycle, consider purchasing a model made exclusively for seniors and customising it to your height, weight, and physical requirements. Here are some features to consider:

  • Handlebars that can be adjusted – Handlebars must be tall enough to be at a comfortable height for cruising while also being simple to grip securely at any pace.
  • Contoured saddle – To make extended rides more pleasant, harnesses can be padded and contoured for male or female riders.
  • Seat Adjustments – Back pressure is reduced by a seat that can be adjusted to a more upright position.
  • Shock absorbers – Pick the “road feel” you desire while absorbing road jolts.
  • Right Tyres – Wider tyres provide a more comfortable ride. For slick conditions, pick tyres with anti-slip grooves.
  • Terrain: Consider your terrain while selecting your bike. E.g. If you reside in a hilly location, purchase a lighter bike with firm slope handling.

Visit a nearby bike store, where the proprietor will let you test out a few brands to see which bicycle is ideal for you. Finding the best cycle for you can be challenging with so many models available on the market. But by keeping these things in mind, you can reduce your choices and discover the ideal bike for your requirements.

Advantages of cycling exercise 

Contrary to popular belief, cycling is an excellent exercise for seniors with ankle or foot arthritis. Cycling is chosen over other aerobic exercises since it improves cardiovascular health without a high-impact impact on the ground. If you can gradually increase your bike distance, whether it is to the nearby market, a friend’s house, or your work, you can save money on gas, automobile upkeep, and medical expenses. According to a study, healthy persons who don’t routinely exercise experienced a faster loss in muscle mass than bikers between the ages of 55 and 79. The riders also experienced steady testosterone levels, lower body fat percentages, and improved cholesterol. Top cycling benefits are given below:

  1. It is a low-impact activity ideal for seniors who want to keep their fitness and wellness without putting an undue amount of stress on their bodies.
  2. It is a fantastic way to appreciate the outdoors and get some fresh air, which is great for enhancing mental health.
  3. It is suitable for seniors new to exercise because it is straightforward and can be done at your speed.
  4. It can assist build stronger muscles and bones, and improve body balance, and muscle coordination
  5. You may do it with friends or in a group, making it an excellent way to socialise.
  6. It is a great activity to strengthen your cardiovascular system.
  7. Riding a bike can help you burn calories and get in shape.
  8. Seniors who wish to stay active and healthy might consider biking, as it is an activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Emoha App

With the Emoha app, you get access to 24/7 emergency support for non-medical & medical emergencies alike that can be availed from any place in India within seconds. You also get exclusive benefits like travel booking assistance, special discounts on travel & medicines, a helpdesk for daily support, and much more. You can also read exclusively tailored blogs for seniors on a number of topics ranging from health to wellbeing to entertainment. Download the app from Google Playstore or iOS App Store.

Conclusion

Bike riding is a sport that is enjoyable and healthful. It can also, if you so choose, be a unique pastime that allows you to spend some time alone and venture outside the house. Just be careful when bicycling & enjoy your future journey.

FAQs

What advantages do taking up riding as a hobby offers?

· Improved cardiovascular health
· Enhanced flexibility and strength of the muscles
· Increased joint flexibility
·Reduced levels of stress
·Enhanced coordination and posture
·Increased bone density
·Reduced levels of body fat
·Illness control or prevention

Is riding healthy for seniors?

For various reasons, biking is an excellent activity for senior citizens. The first benefit is that it has less strain on our bones than many other sports, such as running. Bike riding is a great cardiovascular workout since it increases heart rate and burns calories, which enhances overall fitness.

How much time should seniors spend cycling?

It has been demonstrated that regular exercise significantly increases blood flow to the brain in seniors. Regular riding for just 30 minutes has provided considerable advantages, particularly for learning and remembering.

Does riding a bike reduce anxiety?

Walking and cycling both release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones. These hormones assist in calming your thoughts and elevating your mood. Your mood is improved, and your anxiety levels are decreased.

Which bicycle is suitable for seniors?

E-bikes are an excellent option for any senior concerned about maintaining the endurance required to finish a bike journey or climb a challenging hill.

Read more:

17 Strength Training Exercise for Walkers

Best Exercise Guide for Seniors

How Should Seniors Begin Exercising and Healthy Diets?