Sitting is the new smoking – What fatal consequences lack of exercise can have!

Stress, unhealthy nutrition, lack of exercise - our modern lifestyle has many negative effects on our health. But none of these problems is as easy to solve as the latter. Because all it takes is a little nudge to get moving again.

But what to do when movements become more difficult and sometimes even impossible with increasing age? For older people in particular, it is more important than ever to exercise regularly. Lack of exercise can have countless negative effects on your health.

 

Physical activity in old age: why it is so important?

If people do not get enough exercise as they age, this can have a number of negative effects on their health. Some of these effects can be:

  • Decline in physical function: A lack of physical activity can lead to weakening of muscles, loss of coordination and balance, and reduced mobility.

  • Disorders of the cardiovascular system: Lack of exercise increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing blood flow and increasing cholesterol levels.

  • Impaired cognitive function: Studies have shown that physical activity can help improve cognitive abilities and reduce the risk of dementia.

  • Metabolic Disorders: Sedentary lifestyles can lead to a slowdown in metabolism, which can lead to weight gain and the development of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

 

 

 

In addition, lack of exercise can increase the risk of insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is important that seniors maintain an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise and physical activity to maintain a healthy metabolism and important bodily functions.

Lack of exercise: worse than expected

Some of the most common problems that a lack of exercise can cause are all on our radar. But exercise is actually much more important than many people think. Because the following effects also go to the account of an immobile lifestyle:

Depression and Anxiety: Lack of exercise can contribute to slowing metabolism and increases in the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to depression and anxiety.

Loss of independence: Lack of exercise and physical activity can lead to a decrease in physical functioning, which can affect the ability to perform simple daily tasks independently.

Impaired sleep: Lack of exercise can lead to disrupted sleep, which in turn can affect overall well-being and increase the risk of health problems.

Loss of bone density: Lack of exercise can lead to loss of bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and can lead to frequent fractures.

The bad thing about these effects is that they cannot be easily reversed. It is often a lengthy process, and in some cases recovery is almost impossible.

And although we actually know how important exercise is, we sometimes still can't pull ourselves together.

 

 

Don't feel like it - overcome your weaker self

We all know that weaker self that makes it difficult for us to motivate ourselves or change behaviors even though we know it's good for us. To encourage older people to exercise more, the following measures can be considered:

  • Connecting with other people: Seniors can be encouraged to participate in group activities such as hiking, dancing or fitness classes to build social connections while staying physically active.

  • Increased physical activity in everyday life: Small changes in everyday life, such as using the stairs instead of the elevator or going for long walks, can help to combat lack of movement.

  • Creating a motivating environment: An environment that encourages exercise can help seniors stay motivated. This may include, for example, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear, a safe walking area, and well-functioning physical activity equipment.

  • Consider individual needs: It is important that seniors find a form of exercise that meets their individual needs and preferences to keep them motivated and engaged.

Before engaging in any physical activity, a physician should always be consulted to identify possible health issues and to ensure the activity chosen is safe for the individual. Perhaps a tool or medical aid is needed for a safe trip. Get advice from a specialist dealer here.

How do I motivate people to move more again?

To help seniors overcome their weaker self, the following steps can be taken:

  • Small Steps: Mastering a big challenge all at once can be overwhelming. Instead, small steps should be taken to make the process manageable and achievable.

  • Positive reinforcement: Seniors should reward themselves for each successful step to keep them motivated and show them they're on the right track.

  • A support person: It can be helpful to have someone to train with and take responsibility for each other.

  • Set realistic goals: Seniors should set realistic goals that match their abilities and needs in order to overcome their weaker self.

  • Distraction and variety: Seniors can be motivated to be physically active by being distracted, for example by listening to music or looking at the countryside while walking.

  • Establish a routine: Establishing a daily routine can help overcome the weaker self by making it a habit to stay physically active.

Tools and aids that mobilize

How can people with physical disabilities get moving again? This is where tools and medical aids come into play. Medical aids can support people with mobility impairments in their efforts to move more. There are many tools and aids that can help improve mobility and independence. Here are some examples:

Walkers and canes provide additional stability and support while walking. They are available in different sizes and materials to meet every need.

Rollators: Rollators are four-wheeled crutches with a basket or seat that allow items to be carried while walking.

Scooters/Electromobiles: Scooters are electric means of transport that support older people and people with restricted mobility in their activities. They make it possible to cover longer distances without effort and thus increase mobility and independence.

 

These are just a few examples of how medical aids can support older people and people with mobility impairments in their efforts to move more.

It is important for people of all ages to stay active to maintain their physical and mental health. Medical aids can be of great help

 

 

 

When shame prevents movement

To reduce the feeling of embarrassment when using a walker or rollator, you can do the following:

  1. Normalization
    It is important that assistive devices such as walkers are seen as normal support for people with mobility impairments. The more we talk about them and the more visible they are in the public eye, the more we contribute to ensuring that they are seen as "normal".

  2. Share personal stories:
    By allowing people to share their personal stories of using a rollator, shame can be reduced. It can help when other people show us that there is nothing to be ashamed of. A conversation with another person who enjoys using their device can actually work wonders here.

  3. Offer alternatives:
    There are many different types of rollators, scooters or walkers with different designs and functions. By explaining the options and helping others make choices, we help make them feel more comfortable.

  4. Talk about the benefits:
    It is important to understand that rollators and walkers can give more independence and freedom in everyday life. By showing the benefits, we help others feel more comfortable using an assistive device.

Movement: balm for body, soul and mind

Exercise is a crucial factor for good health and a fulfilling life at any age. It not only strengthens the body, but also the mind and soul. With the support of medical aids such as walkers or other walking aids, seniors or people with physical disabilities are able to move more and enjoy life to the fullest.

At Drive DeVilbiss, we work every day to increase people's mobility and independence and to help them lead active and healthy lives.

 

Wichtig! Vor Beginn jeglicher körperlichen Aktivität sollte immer ein Arzt zu Rate gezogen werden, um mögliche Gesundheitsprobleme zu identifizieren und sicherzustellen, dass die gewählte Aktivität für den Betreffenden sicher ist. Vielleicht ist zu einem sicheren Ausflug auch ein Hilfsmittel von Nöten. Lassen Sie sich hier im Fachhandel beraten.