7 Surprise Benefits of Strength Training for Seniors August 14, 2024 Exercise takes on an all-new meaning as we age. For seniors, the natural loss of muscle mass and core strength can lead to health issues like delayed injury recovery and bone loss. You can offset some of those issues through regular strength training, but the benefits of strength training aren’t just physical. If you’re a senior, you’ll get a few other benefits too, especially if you’re considering moving to a senior living community where health and wellness are priorities. Improves Balance Falls can become serious as we age, with three million seniors treated in emergency departments for falls each year. While strength training doesn’t directly prevent falls, it improves balance by boosting your core and legs, and packing more power into your movements. In a senior living community, having better balance can contribute to a safer and more independent lifestyle. Promotes Sleep Aerobic exercise has long been recommended as a way to improve sleep quality, but it might not be the only option. Preliminary research from the American Heart Association indicates resistance training can help improve sleep quality, reduce sleep disturbances, and help seniors fall asleep faster once they go to bed. If you’re having trouble getting the recommended quality and quantity of sleep each night, strength training might be a valuable addition to your daily routine. Senior living communities often encourage fitness routines like strength training to help residents achieve better sleep. Boosts Your Mood Exercise has long been connected to emotional health, but that doesn’t just apply to aerobic activity. Strength and resistance training have been shown to boost mood and brain health, and those benefits are even more pronounced in older adults. It’s even been connected to a reduced risk of depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Living in a senior living community that promotes regular physical activity, including strength training, can help maintain your emotional well-being. Improves Socialization Social isolation can be particularly harmful as we age, but staying active can help counteract this. Engaging in a strength training program not only promotes physical health but also provides opportunities to connect with others. At Sancerre senior living communities, structured fitness classes, including strength training, are available to all residents. These classes not only enhance physical strength but also foster social interaction, helping residents build connections and stay engaged with their community. Enhancing Independence As muscles weaken with age, even simple daily activities can become challenging, making it harder to stay self-sufficient. However, incorporating strength training into your routine can significantly extend your ability to live independently. By maintaining muscle strength, you can continue handling daily tasks like carrying groceries and doing household chores on your own, without needing frequent assistance. At Sancerre senior living communities, fitness programs are designed specifically to support residents in preserving their independence for as long as possible, helping them stay active and self-reliant as they age. Fighting Osteoporosis Osteoporosis impacts an estimated 50 million U.S. adults over the age of 50. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that increases your risk of breaks and fractures as you age. If you’re one of the many seniors living with osteoporosis, or you’re concerned you might someday be, strength training can help relieve your worries. Strength training places stress on your bones, boosting bone density. Senior living communities frequently incorporate strength training into their wellness programs to support residents in fighting osteoporosis. Pain Relief While strength training is not a cure-all for aches and pains, it can help strengthen your muscles. Stronger muscles provide better support for your frame, including those joints that ache. Strengthening your core can help ease the strain on your back, reducing the severity of any pain you feel there. Senior living communities with a focus on health and wellness often offer programs designed to provide pain relief through regular exercise, including strength training. Sancerre Senior Living Communities At the Sancerre Senior Living Communities, we are dedicated to providing residents with comprehensive wellness programs, including strength training, to enhance their quality of life. Explore our communities: Sancerre Atlee Station in Mechanicsville, VA Sancerre at Palm Coast in Palm Coast, FL Sancerre at Orange City in Orange City, FL Each community offers tailored programs to support the unique needs of our residents, helping them stay active, engaged, and independent. Contact Us Sancerre senior living communities offer level of care options such as assisted living and memory care to help provide older adults and seniors with the lifestyle that meets their needs. Senior living at Sancerre ensures that residents have access to the best health and wellness programs, including strength training. Contact us to learn more about our award-winning care or call us at 855-220-7477.