3 Reasons to exercise as we get older

We keep hearing that exercise will benefit us as we get older, but what will this hard work achieve. Well here is 3 main changes that will occur if you take up a regular exercise program.

(1). Improvement in the heart and arteiries

Exercise can make the heart stronger thus reducing coronary heart disease. The arteries become more elastic thus allowing more blood to flow through them. Exercise lowers blood pressure and keeps it under control. High blood pressure can be a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and major illness.

(2). Increased Muscle strength and bone density

Muscle strength and power is essential to perform dailly tasks. As we get older we lose both strength and power. This has been shown to be linked to an increased risks of falls, decreased quality of life and disease. The same applies for bone density, which can lead to osteoarthritis. Both a decline in strengh and bone density can lead to an increased number of falls and thus fractures at places such as the wrist, hip and spine.
Exercise such as strength training has been shown time and time again to improve both muscle strength and bone density in older people thus increasing their quality of life.

(3). Increased Immune Function

Our immune system benefits enormously from exercise, although exactly how is not fully understood. An efficient immune system doesn't just ward off colds and flu - it may even lower our risk of many cancers, including cancers of the colon, breast, uterus, ovaries, prostate gland, testes and lung (even in smokers).

So there you have it three great reasons to get started on your way to better health and lifestyle.