Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

Weekly Fitness Classes Get Physical with Kim 8:00 am | Mon & Fri | Oasis 9:00 am | Wed | Oasis Advanced Water Aerobics with Kim Roberts 8:00 am | Mon, Tue & Thu | Pool Basic Water Aerobics Resident Led 9:30 am | Wed & Fri | Pool Men’s Water Aerobics Resident Led 8:30 am | Tue & Thu | Pool Exercise in the PAC Resident Led 9:30 am | Mon, Wed & Fri | PAC/Live TV Chair Yoga with Kim 10:30 am | Monday | PAC/Live TV 11:00 am | Wednesday | PAC/Live TV Strength Training with Kim Friday Only 10:15 am | PAC/Live TV Yoga Stretch with Kim Friday Only 10:45 am | PAC/Live TV Cardio Move & Strength with Kim 10:30 am | Tue & Thu | PAC/Live TV • 4 • The Pinecone | September 2024 Maintaining an active lifestyle is important at any age, but it becomes even more vital as we grow older, not less, as this and other myths about aging might have you believe. The benefits of regular physical activity for seniors are truly life-changing: they improve physical and mental health, and they significantly enhance quality of life. If you need some motivation, keep reading — here’s what you stand to gain from staying active as you age. Physical Health Benefits Some of the most important biological health benefits of physical activity for seniors include: Preventing diseases and chronic conditions. Physical activity helps in managing and preventing various chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Engaging in regular physical activity can reduce the risk of these conditions, which are more prevalent in older adults. Improvedmobility and balance. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves flexibility, which in turn enhances balance and coordination. This reduces the risk of falls, a common concern for aging individuals. Enhanced joint and bone health. Many of us develop various aches and pains as we age, but rather than avoiding exercise, being diligent with low-impact exercise can actually lessen those discomforts. Exercise helps maintain joint health and can alleviate symptoms of arthritis by improving strength and flexibility, thus lessening joint pain and stiffness. It also helps to maintain and even restore bone density, which helps to prevent fractures. Increased longevity. Staying active can actually extend your life expectancy (and keep you feeling good, too)! Research indicates that regular physical activity contributes to a longer life by preventing early death from various causes, including diseases and chronic conditions that are especially dangerous for older adults. Mental Health Benefits The cognitive and mental health benefits of exercise can offer gains in the following areas: Better brain function. Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It can even reduce the risk of cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Mood enhancement. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Regular physical activity can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, promoting overall mental well-being. Increased social interaction. Did you know that exercise can help you feel more connected to others (which is also good for your mental and physical health)? Participating in group exercises, sports, and other physical activities provides opportunities for social interaction. This helps to combat loneliness and isolation, which are linked to serious health conditions — including dementia, heart disease, stroke, psychological disorders, illness requiring hospitalization, and premature death. By making a habit of getting regular physical activity, you can become stronger, live longer, remain independent longer — and experience more joy throughout your golden years. WhyWe Need to Stay Active as We Age