The Best Exercise For Seniors – Swimming

Some form of exercise is mandatory to be fit after 60 years of life. Choosing the right type of exercise may be challenging, especially for seniors. People of any age need to sustain an active lifestyle. Besides being in good shape, some form of exercise regulates the body’s normal functioning. Swimming is a fun way of staying fit and having a recreational activity to look forward to regularly. A person’s weight does not affect the ability to swim and is hence safe and relaxing for seniors. The challenges faced by the elderly when it comes to exercise are:

Injury risks
Loss of balance
Longer time to recover after injury
Painful recovery process
Lowered endurance

Read on to understand why swimming is considered the best exercise form for the elderly.

10 Reasons Why Swimming Benefits Those Above 60

1. Water Lends A Weightless Impact On Joints

Most of a person’s weight is supported by water within a swimming pool, and the low impact gives an almost weightless feeling when immersed in water. There is no exertion on the joints, and older people feel most relaxed inside the pool, and Arthritic pain experienced by most seniors is hardly felt. Hence, the patient can easily perform different types of swimming effortlessly.

2. Regulates The Heart

Cardiovascular exercises are some exercise examples that help in better blood circulation. Swimming promotes a stronger heart and hence decreases any risk of heart disease. Strokes are also evaded as a direct positive effect of swimming.

3. Tones The Muscles

Different groups of muscles in the body getting toned are well-known swimming facts. Every stroke during swimming focuses on a particular set of muscles. So seniors can opt for varying combination strokes to tone their muscles.

4. Improves Brain Function

The swimming exercise promotes the brain’s functioning by raising blood flow. This leads to better memory, focussing, disposition and logical thinking. Also, there is a renewal of neural connections within the brain.

5. Better Balance Abilities

Most of the important groups of muscles like the core, leg and overlying muscles are worked out during swimming. Falling over and balance issues are reduced considerably as a result.

6. Reduces Back Pain

The gentle movement through water helps in relieving the pressure off the back. The water controls the movement of the body, thus giving a better posture. Therefore swimming is one of the best exercises for lower back pain.

7. Increases Flexibility

The water buoyancy helps in the easy movement of the limbs. Periodic swimming will enable the limbs to be flexible and free in the water. Regular swimming keeps the joints in motion, which furthers their flexibility index.

8. Keeps Menopausal Symptoms At Bay

Regular swimming will decrease the brain stress experienced during menopause in older women. The bone density is also balanced with improved sleep patterns, and Endorphin production is boosted with better brain power.

9. Boosts The Spirit

The soothing sensation experienced by the rhythmic strokes enhances the mood. A relaxed feeling with the massaging action lowers any stress. The calming effect of the water on the body and the boosted senses also affects the smell and sight.

10. Improves Lung Capacity

With regular swimming, the out-of-breath sensation experienced by older people gradually decreases. They can perform more physical activities than before and build upon strength.

Conclusion

Learning how to breathe while swimming by taking swimming lessons is the first step to beginning the beautiful form of exercising. There are many benefits of exercise swimming in the water, and one can only experience them by diving into the pool. So grab your swimming goggles and head to the pool today.

FAQs

What are some benefits of swimming?

Improved lung capacity, more flexibility, better brain function, better balancing, toning of muscles, improved heart health, boosting the spirit, decreased back pain, control of menopausal symptoms, and improved movement of joints are the 10 benefits of swimming.