The average person reaches top physical performance in his or her mid-20s, then declines steadily through life, losing power more quickly in the last few years. For a sedentary individual, aging leads to an increase in fat mass and decrease in aerobic capacity and muscle mass. This allows less oxygen delivery to key organs, making daily activity more taxing. As you age, you can also develop a higher risk of life-threatening diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis. However, maintaining a regular exercise program can reverse this decline and help you lower your risk of disease.
Aerobic exercise has both physical and mental benefits. It improves the body's oxygen consumption and its ability to generate energy, slowing or reversing an aging individual's loss of aerobic fitness. Regular exercise also helps a person sustain more physical ability for longer, even late in life.
"As your body ages, you may need to alter the pace, duration, or intensity of your fitness routine," says Dr. James D. O'Holleran, sports medicine doctor at Sports Medicine North. "But regular exercise is still very effective in slowing the adverse effects of aging, allowing you to prolong your mobility and independence."
Adding strength training and balance training to your exercise routine can greatly improve your overall health and can help you prevent falls by increasing your ability to control and maintain your body's position, whether you are moving or standing still
If you're looking to begin an exercise program, it's important to consult with your doctor first. Call (978) 309-3066 to schedule an appointment with one of the sports medicine doctors at Sports Medicine North. Click here to request an appointment online.
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