The Benefits of Functional Fitness for the Elderly
As we get older, our bodies experience a lot of changes. We start to lose muscle mass, bone density, and flexibility—all things that make us less able to perform activities of daily living. While some of these changes are inevitable, many can be mitigated through exercise (especially if you start early). One type of exercise that research has shown can help with all these areas is functional fitness—a form of training that focuses on movements used in everyday life. Here's how it works:
Reduced risk of injury
As you've probably seen, functional fitness is a great way to improve your mobility and everyday functionality. It can reduce the risk of injury by improving balance, agility, and strength. In addition to these benefits for the elderly (and everyone in general), it will also help them be more independent. The improved mobility from functional training allows people to move around with greater ease which only increases their overall functionality in everyday life.
It's important for seniors who have health issues or disabilities to keep their bodies strong so that they can get out of bed every day without struggle or difficulty. Functional training provides an alternative method for getting stronger without stressing joints like weightlifting does by using resistance bands instead of heavy weights and machines at the gym might provide; this makes it easier on those who may not be able to lift heavy weights without causing further damage or discomfort within themselves due to the nature of their physical limitations
Improved balance and agility
As you age, it's common for your balance and coordination to deteriorate. Functional fitness can help improve both of these aspects of movement. As you perform exercises and train your body, it becomes more familiar with the movements being asked of it, which ultimately leads to an increase in stability, coordination and agility.
When it comes to improving balance, functional fitness training focuses on two main areas: maintaining a neutral spine and engaging the core muscles (abdominal wall). A neutral spine means keeping the natural curves in your back intact while focusing on pushing out through the hips and chest so that you are standing tall rather than hunched over or leaning forward at all times. Engaging core muscles will enable you to stay upright during various activities as well as prevent low back injuries that may occur when bending down or lifting heavy items out of place (such as at home).
In addition to improving overall stability when performing everyday tasks such as walking from one room in your house into another room without tripping over objects along the way (#lifehack), functional fitness also leads to improved coordination by teaching the brain how different muscle groups work together during certain movements—a crucial skill when trying not only to avoid falling but also get up off the ground quickly if/when needed.
Increased independence
There are many benefits to functional fitness for the elderly, but perhaps one of the most important is its ability to help you maintain your independence and live a more independent lifestyle. Being able to do daily tasks independently will not only improve your quality of life, it can also save you money in terms of medical bills. Being able to perform ADLs (activities of daily living) such as getting dressed or bathing without assistance can make a huge difference in how much time and energy you have left over each day.
Being able to perform basic household chores means that your loved ones don’t have to worry about doing them for you; this frees them up so they can spend more time with their friends and family instead!
If the tips listed in this blog sound beneficial for you, then give it a try! There is nothing more important than the health and happiness of ourselves, and our loved ones.