Water Exercise Can Benefit Seniors
02 Oct Water Exercise Can Benefit Seniors
Talk with your Aging Parents About Senior Citizens Swimming to
Develop Aging Fitness
As we age, our bone density decreases, we lose stamina, and it becomes harder and harder to keep up an excercise regimen to stay in shape. This is especially the case for senior citizens, as the rate at which the decline in these situations increases with seniors. Water exercise is a great way for senior citizens to exercise, as the water provides resistance, and is low impact on bones and joints. This post from talk early…talk often… presents some great workouts in the swimming pool for senior citizens, and explains the benefits.
Here is an excerpt from the post:
Senior citizens swimming has been studied by researchers, and has amazing benefits for senior health and benefits.
“Our study combined aqua aerobics — walking and dancing in the water — with actual strength training in the water. The participants lifted weights while they were in the water.
On average, aqua exercise participants increased their strength by 27% in the quadriceps, 40% in the hamstrings, and about 10% in the upper body region.
This increase in strength is attributed to the resistance that can be more easily experienced in water than on land.”
The American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association published guidelines for physical activity in older adults. Here is a summary of their recommendations —
“To promote and maintain health, older adults need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes five days each week or vigorous intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minutes three days each week. (Moderate intensity is when you feel “warm and slightly out of breath,” and vigorous is when you feel “out of breath and sweaty.”)” Senior citizen swimming can easily meet these requirements.
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