Aging is a natural process that affects everyone. As one ages, physical and mental capabilities change along with increased risks of diseases and death; but you don’t have to accept this fateful fate with open arms: there are activities like swimming that can help slow the aging process down.
Swimming provides both cardiovascular and resistance training at once while being gentle on joints. A 30-minute swim can burn more calories than equivalent exercises done on land due to buoyancy allowing greater range of motion for movement in all limbs – especially beneficial for seniors as it helps maintain joint flexibility and decrease pain levels.
Swimming has long been recognized for its cardiovascular benefits. Studies have demonstrated how it increases lung capacity while simultaneously improving heart function – with one research project finding that elderly who regularly swam had lower blood pressure than non-swimmers.
Regular cardio-vascular exercise has also been found to aid memory. According to studies, rats that swam for 7 days showed improved short and long-term memory recall. Researchers suggest this boost may have come from endorphin release resulting from swimming which helps create positive feelings in the brain.
Muscle strength is another critical element in preventing falls among older adults. While it is normal for aging adults to lose muscle mass as they get older, resistance training such as swimming or other forms of aquatic therapy can restore it. A recent study conducted with 1,700 men aged 70 or above who regularly swam were 33% less likely to fall than their counterparts who didn’t swim regularly.