Exercise is an element of well-being for people of all ages: it maintains mobility, slows down the rate of muscle loss and strengthens bones. Staying active and fit is especially important for older people as it delays the changes brought about by ageing and also prevents neurological disorders, such as dementia.
Exercise stimulates the mind and helps people stay positive.
Health-enhancing physical activities are particularly suitable for older people. This means regular, moderate-intensity exercise that increases the respiratory rate while still being possible to hold a conversation.
Regular exercise improves health, and studies show that regular exercise also reduces the risk of falling and prevents various diseases.
Physical activity guidelines for people aged 65 and over in brief:
- Activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility twice a week.
- Moderate exercise, i.e. activities that increase the heart rate, for 150 minutes a week. The same health benefits can be achieved by doing vigorous exercise for 75 minutes.
- Light physical activities as often as possible.
- Combining these in a variety of ways is the best way to promote health and the ability to function.
According to the national FinSote survey of health, well-being and service use, 24% of elderly people over the age of 75 in Central Ostrobothnia spend the recommended time on physical activity, while the comparative figure for Finland as a whole is 28%.
Sources:
2021 Annual Report, City of Kokkola
https://thl.fi/en/web/lifestyles-and-nutrition/physical-exercise
https://thl.fi/fi/web/elintavat-ja-ravitsemus/liikunta/fyysinen-kunto-ja-terveys (in Finnish)
