Three great benefits of doing physical activity in the water for people over 60 years of age

The indication to exercise to preserve health

.

The guidelines contained in the physical activity guides indicate that people should move at all ages: from childhood to old age.

The reasons are multiple: physical activity has important benefits for the

, since it not only contributes to better weight management and body composition, to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes and some types of cancer, among others), but also reduces the symptoms of depression and anxiety, which contributes to general well-being.

The problem is that, as the years go by, for various reasons (different conditions, reduced mobility, fears), there are those who see

of possible activities reduced.

For those cases, an

can be very helpful.

There are rehabilitation therapies, sports, games and multiple activities that can be carried out in the aquatic environment, to which multiple benefits are associated.

Activity in the water improves mood.

Photo Shutterstock.

To swim against the current

Among other characteristics that consecrate the pool as an ideal place for the practice of physical activity for the elderly, the reduction of the risk of injuries is inscribed. 

Despite this, certain ideas and ignorance that still prevail about aquatic physical activity make some people hesitate when it comes to "submerging".

"There are several

within the group of people over 60 years of age, invalid by the way, regarding exercising in the aquatic environment," Mariano Sassano, a professor at the Faculty of Human Motricity and Sports of the Inter-American Open University,

told Clarín

UAI), specialized in Social Gerontology.

"I'm not for that anymore", "I have to know nothing to participate", "I can slip", "the components that they put in the water can hurt my skin", are some of the "excuses"

disguised of arguments you usually hear.

Sassano, who also coordinates the "Move for your health" program in SEOCA West Zone, stressed that there is

on the benefits of aquatic exercise among the elderly.

Studies show that "8 out of 10 people over the age of 60 who practice physical activity in the aquatic environment maintain and/or improve their

", he stated.

However, he stressed that in relation to the prejudices that they maintain "it is essential that the professional in charge make an

, not only biological, but also attitudinal/emotional, in order to generate adherence to this discipline."

Being low impact is linked to a lower risk of injury.

Photo Shutterstock.

He also listed

for older people.

1. Improves overall health

exercises

, for example, it is possible to recover degenerative processes such as osteoarthritis and general pain, he pointed out.

is achieved

from regular physical movement, as well as muscle toning, considering that water exerts a different resistance compared to exercising in the terrestrial environment."

It also helps improve balance, body posture and circulation, he added.

And he stressed that the

"can be a great ally", since warm water "promotes circulation, contributing to cardiovascular health".

Strengthens the muscles and promotes caloric expenditure.

Photo Shutterstock.

2. Low impact

One of the main benefits of aquatic exercise is that the joints

and are better preserved, Sassano said.

"Aquatic activities in older adults not only function as physical activity, but their practice is associated with less wear and tear," he highlighted.

"For example, in the case of people over 60 who suffer from feeling

, it helps to reduce the feeling of heaviness, by favoring the reduction of impact and circulatory activation," he said.

"Now then, beyond the pathology that the person may have, the practices in this medium manage to involve, in the same session of physical work, the four basic capacities of the organism: resistance, speed of execution

," he explained.

And he added that all this "is

, therefore, we manage to improve the person's quality of life."

3. Mental health

"Being in the water is so stimulating that neurotrophins in the brain and other chemicals such as endorphins are released, useful for managing stress, preventing or managing depression and anxiety, as well as improving mood. In addition, swimming increases mental concentration", highlighted the teacher.

And he added that because it is a repetitive and rhythmic body practice, it favors

while the person is submerged in the water.

"In fact, by

, we can transform routine swimming sessions into an immersive form of meditation in motion," he said.

And to this is added the concentration that demands to correctly perform respiratory mechanics, together with the stroke, which favors concentration.

That same synergy occurs in group classes, which require

to perform the aqua gym exercises.

Sassano added that "several research shows that people who practice activities in the aquatic environment 

, which helps reduce anxiety and depression."

And he concluded that, in or out of the water, "being psychophysically active contributes substantially to

."

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Do you want to read more about active and healthy aging?

These notes may interest you:

➪Start exercising when you are older and after a sedentary life: 5 tips to start

➪Healthy aging: 4 habits that you can incorporate at 50 to reach 80 well

➪The key to youth is in the water: why swimming is so good for the brain

➪An ideal exercise routine for those over 65

➪Adult brain: what is neurogenesis and why the role of physical exercise is key

➪Three strength exercises for people over 50

➪Six tips to start running at 60

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