Increases energy efficiency
A University of Colorado study found that older adults who regularly participate in highly aerobic activities (running in particular) have a lower metabolic cost of walking than sedentary adults. What does that mean? As we age, if we are active, we maintain our ‘horsepower,’ or fuel economy.
Improves flexibility
Although any type of exercise can improve our flexibility, yoga and pilates in particular are highly effective at increasing flexibility as we age. By increasing your flexibility, you can reduce the risk of injuries – such as hip injuries – as you age, increasing your chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Boosts mental capacity
Studies show that regular exercise boosts the size of our hippocampus, the area of the brain that’s responsible for learning and memory. Those who exercise may literally have the brain of a younger person, making it easy for them to continue learning and maintain sharp mental health.
Slows cell aging
Exercise doesn’t just make you look younger. Exercise makes you younger. How? By turning off the aging process in your chromosomes. In order to stay young, you have to keep your cells young. Researchers have found that exercise can keep DNA healthy and young.
Relieves stress
If exercise is the fountain of youth, stress is its antidote. Experts say that one of the keys to living a long, happy, healthy life is the ability to reduce stress and anxiety and move forward after stressful life events. Exercise reduces stress, making it more likely that we will live longer – and happier.
Keeps our metabolism high
As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down. As the pounds creep up, we put our bodies at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health issues.
The more muscle mass we have, the quicker our bodies burn calories. So by exercising and keeping your body strong, we are better able to maintain a healthy weight and reduce our chances of sickness and disease.