Why should older adults exercise?

For older adults, exercise: 

• Improves sense of general well-being and joy
• Improves functional status and improves quality of life
• May reduce stiffness in the joints and reduce back pain
• May improve energy levels
• May allow for a longer period of functional independence
• Reduces the risk of falling by improving sense of balance and functional skills such as climbing the stairs or rising out of a chair
• Improves brain function (see research listed in the Drums Alive^® Basic Instructor manual or the Drums Alive^® Basic online home study course); reduces emotional stress, depression, and anxiety; slows memory loss and improves self-image
• Maintains – or increases – muscle mass to reverse age-related muscle weakness
• Improves muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility; aids in reducing body fat (Atienza, 2001, Cress et al., 2005)
• Improves heart efficiency and lung capacity
• Has been shown to lower or normalize blood pressure and increase HDL levels (high-density lipoprotein)
• Maintains bone density and reduces the risk for fractures
• Increases the flow of synovial fluid to the joints
• Increases energy metabolism
• Improves and maintains range of motion (ROM)
• Activates and generates social ties and relationships