Karen’s Korner
As I was reading an article the other day, the author said basically the same thing that my Grandma did as I was growing up,”Use it, or lose it.” She was talking about getting and staying active.
According to The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), physical activity holds tremendous benefits for adults sixty-five and older.
“A single session of moderate to vigorous physical activity provides immediate benefits for your health. In addition, regular physical activity helps prevent many chronic diseases.”
Benefits of staying active:
Immediate:
Sleep: improves sleep quality. Less Anxiety: reduces feelings of anxiety. Blood Pressure: reduces blood pressure.
Long-term
- Brain Health: reduces risks of developing dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) and reduces risk of depression.
- Heart Health: lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer Prevention: lowers risk of 8 cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach).
- Healthy Weight: reduces risk of weight gain.
- Independent Living: helps people live independently longer.
- Bone Strength: improves bone health.
- Balance and Coordination: reduces risks of falls.
Emerging research suggests physical activity may also help boost immune function. (Source: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition)
So, let’s get moving for better health and a better quality of life.