Staying Active For Life: How Men Can Exercise Their Way To Healthy Aging
Aging brings many changes, but that does not mean giving up an active lifestyle. Regardless of your age or current fitness level, it’s never too late to make exercise a regular part of your routine. In fact, staying physically active is one of the most powerful ways men can take control of their health as they age.
What are the benefits of exercise for older men?
There are 5 key benefits exercise provides for men's health with aging:
- Building muscle and bone strength
- Enhancing brain function
- Fortifying your immune defenses
- Living longer
- Overall wellness
Regular exercise gives a multitude of health benefits that are especially important in your later years. Fitness enhances physical abilities, strengthens your immune system, boosts brain health, and can even extend your lifespan.
Building muscle and bone strength
Age-related loss of muscle mass and bone density makes daily tasks more challenging. Strength training is highly effective at rebuilding muscles in older men – even octogenarians using mobility devices see improvements. Weight bearing exercises also maintain bone density and prevent fractures. This keeps you active and reduces injury risk from falls.
Enhancing brain function
Exercise preserves cognitive abilities like memory, focus and quick thinking. It lowers the chances of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by up to 10 years. This boost in mental fitness bolsters independence and quality of life.
Fortifying your immune defenses
Immune function inevitably declines with age, increasing susceptibility to infections while reducing vaccine effectiveness. But research shows staying active keeps immune T-cells reproducing at youthful rates for longer. This enhanced immunity continues protecting you from illness well into your later decades.
Living longer
Being physically fit reduces the risk of many age-related diseases that are the most common causes of death for men. It also directly lowers mortality at any age. Exceedingly active older men have the greatest reductions in risk. But even modest activity within CDC guidelines helps increase lifespan.
What are smart exercises for aging men?
Finding suitable activities is key to sticking with a routine long-term without injury. Water exercises reduce joint strain while improving strength and cardiovascular fitness. SilverSneakers programs at gyms offer social support and guidance. Stretching enhances flexibility and yoga builds balance to prevent falls.
Most experts advise avoiding high impact sports like running on hard surfaces. But with guidance from your doctor, almost any exercise can be tailored to your current fitness and health status. The right personalized plan will help you gain ability rather than limit you.
Functional strength training
Functional strength training focuses on motions essential for everyday life like:
- Squatting
- Lunging
- Bending
- Pushing
- Pulling
- Carrying objects
Mastering these movements with manageable weight and range of motion maintains independence no matter your age.
Balance exercises
Balance exercises are vital for older men but don’t require special equipment. Simply standing on one foot at a time while holding onto a counter for support is very effective. Gradually reduce your stabilization as your footing gets steadier.
How can men start an exercise routine at any age?
The CDC advises adults over 65 get 150 minutes per week of moderate cardio, plus muscle strengthening and balance activities 2 days a week. This may seem like a lot if you’re starting from scratch, but beginning with manageable steps leads to progress.
Build a flexible routine that fits your lifestyle around activities you enjoy. Walking and household chores can count towards weekly exercise goals. Stretching takes just minutes a day. Online SilverSneakers classes offer low impact workouts. Every bit helps you stay active, healthy and thriving in your later decades.
With age, priorities shift from building muscle mass towards maintaining ability, flexibility and quality of life. Finding suitable physical activities is essential, but exercise works alongside good sleep, nutrition and social ties to promote well-rounded health. With some modest changes, men can make the most of their vitality at any age.