While exercise and activity are well-known as important elements for seniors to maintain as they age, some of their benefits aren’t fully realized by everyone in this realm. Did you know, for instance, that good exercise is one possible tool that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, or at least limit their symptoms?

At Cozy Retire, we’re happy to offer numerous caring services to all our senior guests, including memory care programs for those dealing with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. Our attentive staff helps our guests maintain several important areas of their life, including exercise and activity that are beneficial not only for overall health, but for warding off memory loss symptoms. Here’s a primer on the connection between good activity levels and a lower risk of dementia.

Exercise and Alzheimer’s/Dementia Prevention

We’re not just talking theoretically here: Research has shown that risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is simply far lower in those who exercise regularly than in those who don’t. The big question for many seniors, then, becomes how much exercise is needed.

Generally speaking, here are some tips we can offer:

• Include both cardio and strength in exercise: Research has shown that when seniors focus on both, they experience the maximum possible benefit.
• Plan for 150 minutes of exercise a week: To experience the best possible effects, seniors should aim for at least this much activity.
• Focus on a variety of activities: Seniors who do several types of exercise are less like to develop a pattern than those who stick with just one form.
• Track progress: One especially important element here is to track your exercise progress, which not only helps you keep tabs on yourself, but also “exercises” your brain and gets it involved in the “brain-healthy” lifestyle that many Alzheimer’s researchers recommend for warding off this condition.

Indoor-Friendly Senior Fitness Activities

Whether due to continued concerns over COVID-19, issues with the weather or any others, some seniors prefer to do their exercise mostly inside. If you’re among these people, there are many quality indoor senior fitness activities to consider:

• Walking or light jogging: Using a treadmill or other piece of equipment, seniors can achieve the benefits of cardiovascular exercise while still staying warm and comfortable inside.
• Light strength training: Using things like hand-weights, resistance bands or machines designed for these purposes, seniors can undergo light strength training regularly without going far from their chairs.
• Swimming: Swimming is one great example of how seniors can get a good cardio workout and still stay warm and dry. The water also provides natural resistance that builds upper body strength while lessening the chance of injury.
• Yoga: Yoga is often thought of as an excellent way to limber up the spine and improve flexibility, but it can also provide a good cardio workout that’s gentle enough for seniors.

For more on the benefits of exercise in reducing the risks and symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia, or to learn about any of our senior living community services, speak to the staff at Cozy Retire today.