As we grow old, our joints become stiffer, and our muscles become weaker than they used to be. Walking is an excellent form of workout for the older population, but it involves going outdoors, finding assistance (if you have mobility problems) and battling the weather conditions from time to time.
On the other hand, running machines give the elderly a chance to remain active and fit while working out inside. They donāt have to step out in the sweltering heat or the freezing cold to keep their joints mobile. They can hop on the running machine in their home clothes (and running shoes), at any time they see fit.
The most apparent benefit of getting a treadmill is that it allows an individual to walk inside his or her home. Modern treadmills are also transportable and quite compact. The availability of multiple speed and incline settings enables the user to set the machine according to his or her comfort levels. As we age, our comfort zone becomes the most important to us. Running machines provide people with an easy way of working out without taking a step outside their comfort zone.
Most importantly, treadmills at home allow people to multitask. You can speak with the rest of your family, be present during family meets, watch TV and listen to music while completing your daily exercises.
Why are treadmill exercises ideal for senior citizens?
While picking out exercises for the seniors, you must remember that older adults have less energy and less flexibility as compared to the younger generations. They do not require workout to burn fat or lose weight.
There might be a few situations, where doctors recommend their elderly population to shed a few pounds to reduce the pressure on their knee and ankle joints. However, most doctors and fitness experts recommend light exercises for the older populace that keeps them mobile and active.
It takes care of joint health
A considerable percentage of the elderly population suffers from joint-related illnesses including arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain from old injuries. In such cases, walking every day can help them cope with the mobility problems these diseases pose.
Most fitness experts recommend the use of treadmills since these devices allow the user to set the speed according to their capabilities. See UK Biggest supplier for the most versatile collection of treadmills appropriate for the seniors.
Working out improves mood
Apart from gaining lost mobility, treadmill workouts help the elderly population to improve their mental health. Research shows that as a person ages, his or her system secretes fewer endorphins, serotonin, and melatonin. The first two are hormones critical for feeling happiness, while the last one helps in achieving sound sleep. Working out helps the system secrete healthy levels of these hormones. Seniors, who work out regularly, often have an optimistic view towards life. It comes from the even secretion of the happy hormones and proper restful sleep every night.
It boosts cardiovascular health
When you sleep well at night, and your mood remains happy, there is nothing more you need to improve your cardiovascular health. The steady pace and regular exercise stimulate proper heart rhythm. Walking on the treadmill strengthens the heart muscles and improves lung capacity even in the elderly population.
Around 7 million people are living with cardiovascular diseases in the UK right now. Therefore, walking should become a part of your regular exercising schedule before the end of this year.
Walking improves immunity and reduces inflammation
Improving heart rate also promotes healthy circulation of blood. The heart pumps more volume of blood when one exercise. Even simple walking is good enough to encourage blood flow. That addresses not only the age-related cardiovascular problems but also the difficulties most senior citizens face with the mobility of their joints.
Therefore, working out regularly boosts blood flow thereby decreasing the chances of cholesterol deposits and atherosclerosis. It increases the immunity and reduces inflammation of the joints that often plague people in their old age.
It will improve the lifestyle of an elderly person
Many people are of the opinion that the elderly do not have a defined lifestyle since they choose to move to senior care homes and apartments. However, that is entirely wrong. Many of them have lived up to certain standards in their early life, and they are likely to stick to similar practices later on.
For example āa person does not give up drinking whiskey just because they reach the age of 65. Or they do not forgo their love for a good ribeye steak when they hit 60! Working out can help you enjoy the finer things in life like late night concerts and a nightcap as long as you are ready to make up for it on the treadmill.
Walking a constant distance every day will help your metabolism achieve a certain rhythm. It will keep your weight within limits and keep you feeling young forever.
How to choose the best treadmill for a senior user?
While choosing a treadmill for the elderly always emphasize their safety features. It might sound strange to you to check running machines for their safety features, but the senior citizens often require emergency stop keys or buttons, and controls on the handrails for ensuring their safety.
As we grow old, we become slow and somewhat jittery in our movements. Having control options within our easy reach enables us to guarantee that we are always in complete control of our actions. Not being able to stop the treadmill, when a person is feeling feeble can result in grievous injuries.
Manual treadmills are excellent as long as you donāt have any problems in your lower body joints. Motorized treadmills are ideal if your legs lack the strength to mobilize the belt. Choosing a motorized treadmill with smart controls will enable the user to enjoy a completely safe workout without any assistance.
Motorized or electronic treadmills always give the users a chance to make their exercises more challenging. Your choice should depend upon your necessities and the knacks of the user.