The right way to exercise for the elderly

- Waking up early to exercise is a habit of many elderly people. However, not everyone exercises correctly. Some people choose to exercise too early, others too late, some do heavy exercises or skip the warm-up step. These seemingly harmless habits can cause fatigue, reduce efficiency and pose potential risks to the health of the elderly.

Members of the Dong Kinh Ward Health Club do morning exercises.

Exercising properly helps the elderly improve their immune system, strengthen their bones, and reduce the risk of health problems in old age such as dementia, back pain, knee pain, insomnia, heart disease, blood pressure, etc. However, if exercise is not done properly, it will not only not bring positive effects to health but also easily make the body tired. The case of Mr. Nong Van Duong, Binh Chuong village, Dinh Lap commune is an example. Previously, he only read newspapers, watched TV, and did little exercise. Encouraged by his children and grandchildren, he chose the method of walking on the slope near his house. At first, he practiced before dawn, taking off his coat when he was sweating. After the exercise, he felt cold in his limbs and felt dizzy due to the cold air penetrating his body when he sweated.

Not only Mr. Duong, many elderly people still keep the habit of waking up very early. The elderly's body no longer adapts to the environment as quickly as before, exercising too early, or exercising vigorously can easily cause blood vessels to constrict, blood pressure to increase, the heart has to work harder, especially for people with underlying cardiovascular disease, blood pressure.

Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Xuan Thu, in charge of the Provincial Oriental Medicine Association's Clinic, said: For the elderly, exercise is like adjusting the rhythm of life and breathing, the important thing is not to exercise a lot but to exercise correctly. The most suitable exercises include walking, slow cycling, tai chi, yoga or swimming. Just maintaining 20-30 minutes a day with a stable breathing rhythm is enough for the body to receive the necessary movement. The elderly should absolutely not exercise too early or when the weather is very cold, the best time is when the sun is mild, around 6-7 am, or in the afternoon or evening but not close to bedtime.

In recent times, the association of the elderly at all levels has regularly paid attention to propagating and guiding the elderly to adjust their exercise habits. Many residential areas in the province have formed exercise groups such as dancing, health care, walking, etc., creating a vibrant movement. Everyone reminds, observes, and encourages each other to exercise within their capacity, both maintaining good habits and creating a happy atmosphere.

Ms. Bui Thi Hanh, Head of the Dong Kinh Ward Fitness Club, shared: The club has 65 members, maintaining practice at the cultural house yard or parks. In the summer, we practice after 5am, when the air is cool and fresh; in the winter, the appropriate time is from 6:30am to 7am, when the sun has risen, the humidity has decreased, and the temperature has gradually warmed up. Thanks to that, the club members all maintain stable health, optimistic and cheerful spirits.

Exercising properly not only helps the elderly to exercise but also improves their health, especially during unpredictable weather. When choosing the right time, the right way and the right intensity, the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and prolonged pain in the elderly will be limited; walking will be more steady, sleeping better. These changes not only help the elderly themselves to be flexible in their daily activities but also help their families feel more secure when they see their grandparents and parents in stable health and good spirits.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/khi-nguoi-cao-tuoi-biet-the-duc-dung-cach-5065202.html