Aging – Research – Health - Exercise

Aging can be described as the process of changes that take place over time. There are physical, psychological, and social changes made in our lives everyday that affect the aging process. Researching the aging process can lead to a greater understanding of age-related diseases. This research can also provide hope for people to live a longer, healthier life with less disease and disabilities.

Research will find ways of curing many diseases that our elderly deal with everyday. One disease is Alzheimer’s, for which there is no cure yet, but because of continuous research there are drugs under development that may slow its progression. Adult-onset Diabetes and osteoporosis are other diseases that researchers are finding that, with the right drugs and a healthy diet and lifestyle, can be reduced in the elderly. These changes can reshape the way that we age.

Research shows that staying socially active can increase the feelings of self-worth in the elderly. Staying socially active can also keep the brain more active with new challenges. Research also shows that people who are more socially active and integrated have a decline in memory loss compared to those who are less socially-active.

Being physically active also has its benefits for the elderly. Exercising can be a good way to help stay healthy. Exercising improves the oxygen delivery in the tissues, it builds strength and endurance, it helps to decrease unwanted body fat, and it helps improve the movement in joints and muscles. Exercising for 30 minutes, three times a week or more is a steady way to keep up with your health.

Most people will not look at the exercise and its benefits on a long-term basis. They should think about how they will feel when they are older and can still walk a good steady pace for 30 minutes or longer. Keeping their body in a healthy balance with their diet will increase vitality, and may help contribute to a longer life.