Dr. Eboni Green
March 7, 2022
Exercise is vital for our physical health, but it’s just as crucial for our mental health. Keeping our body fit can be a challenge as we grow older and regular exercise is more difficult, but we should all do our best to stay active. Explore how exercise can improve mental health for elders with our guide.
The act of exercising and working out may not be the most fun activity, but we know that exercise makes us happier. When we exercise, we release endorphins into our brain that make us feel better and improve our mood.
Exercise releases happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine, making us feel more accomplished and energetic and reducing stress.
Depression and anxiety are severe problems for many seniors, but exercise can help boost their self-confidence. Many feel depressed at not being as active as they used to, but exercising proves they’re still capable and functional.
Insomnia is a rampant problem in the elder community, with some studies saying nearly half of all seniors suffer from it. One of the best remedies for insomnia is exercise.
Regular exercise and activity help the brain fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake feeling more energetic and refreshed. For best results, elders can try working out in a home gym about two to three hours before sleep instead of early in the day.
Keeping the brain active and engaged is a challenge for many in the elder community. Word puzzles and games help, but nothing is as beneficial for brain function as getting routine and quality exercise.
Exercising fires up the brain more than anything else, and getting their body moving improves elders’ focus, creativity, and multitasking abilities.
When we exercise, our body sends more blood to our brain, which is beneficial for keeping brain cells healthy. Keeping brain cells healthy is critical in deterring neurodegenerative diseases that many elders suffer from, such as dementia. It’s not a cure, but exercise is one of the best preventative measures seniors can take against neurodegenerative diseases.
Exercise and socializing are both key to mental health for elders. As we get older, it gets harder to meet new people, leading to feelings of isolation in elders and, in turn, depressive feelings. Exercise boosts our self-esteem, giving us more confidence to talk to new people, and group exercise classes for seniors are an opportunity for social interaction.
Mental health is an essential element of a healthy life for everyone, but especially for seniors, it’s important to promote positive mental health activities. There are many ways exercise can improve elders’ mental health, from self-confidence to improved brain function, and all it takes is maybe an hour of activity a day.
