Why swimming is the perfect exercise for seniors

Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and freestyle

From childhood summers playing Marco Polo to earning the Red Cross swimming badge at summer camp, swimming has many positive associations for Canadians.

A relaxing and joyful pastime, swimming has also been called the perfect exercise. Immersion in water, which does not cause impact and promotes flotation, can be beneficial for people of all ages and abilities: from the youngest to the oldest, people with injuries or degenerative conditions to beginners and fitness enthusiasts.

The benefits of swimming are many, significant and undeniable. So grab your swimming goggles and let's dive into the reasons for this practice with lifeguard recertification.

Why swimming is so good for you

We all know that physical exercise has many benefits . Yet for seniors with mobility or health issues, exercise may seem like a distant memory of their youth.

As you age, certain types of physical activity can become difficult for your body. The good news is that swimming, a sport that many seniors find enjoyable, has many health benefits. It's a great way to stay fit, active and engaged. Need to be convinced?

Praised by doctors, physiotherapists and trainers, swimming overcomes many obstacles to physical exercise encountered by seniors.

The most cited barriers to exercise are:

• Pain;

• Decreased stamina and balance;

• Longer recovery time;

• Risk of injury;

• The fear of falling.

Water exercises are an ideal way for aging adults to help them move in a way that is comfortable and functional. Here are some examples of the benefits of swimming for seniors and ways to solve their exercise problems.

1. Water relieves your joints

You may have heard of the term “low impact exercise”. It is simply any exercise that does not put shock force on your joints. When you swim, approximately 90% of your body weight is supported by water, allowing you to float during your workout without putting pressure on your joints. The relatively weightless environment and the support of water can help people overcome painful movements caused by arthritis and other health problems. This makes it an ideal exercise for seniors.

2. Exercise your heart

As with any form of cardiovascular exercise, regular swimming has tremendous benefits for your long-term health. A stronger heart pumps blood more efficiently, which improves circulation throughout the body (even in the brain!). Regular aerobic activities like swimming have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Swimming is good for the brain

Simply immersing yourself in water increases blood flow to the brain. This improves memory, mood, concentration and general cognitive functions. Swimming can also help repair damage caused by stress and forge new neural connections in the brain.

In a small study looking at the impact of swimming on mental acuity in seniors, researchers found that swimmers had improved mental speed and attention span compared to non-swimmers.

4. Increased flexibility and range of motion

Do you feel stiff upon waking up in the morning? If so, you are not alone. Most people lose some range of motion as they age. Good news ! The buoyancy of water makes it easier for swimmers to move their limbs through their full range of motion. Doing this regularly helps keep joints supple and improves flexibility, an important factor in the health and well-being of seniors. For seniors with limited range of motion on land, stretching in the water is a good way to improve flexibility with lifeguard events.

5. Water provides built-in resistance that improves strength and muscle tone

A swim in the pool will cool you down on a hot day, but it's also a comprehensive exercise that tones all the major muscle groups in your body. Each swim stroke focuses on different muscle groups, so using a combination of strokes when swimming will get you feeling the burn – and getting the tone you want – faster than many exercises on land.

6. The secret solution to menopause

Swimming is found to help fight menopausal brain fog by boosting your brain power, increasing alertness, clarity and energy levels, and releasing endorphins (happiness hormones). A study shows that swimming also helps maintain bone density in postmenopausal women. Exercising in the water also helps women deal with changes in metabolism, improves circulation and increases sleep quality.

7. Improves stability, reducing the risk of falling

Swimming works all major muscle groups, which strengthens muscles in general, especially the upper body, core muscles and leg muscles – all important for posture and stability, which reduces the risk of falls . An Australian study assessed 1,700 men aged 70 and over and found that those who swam were 33% less likely to fall than men who did not swim.

Additionally, men who engaged in other forms of exercise in addition to swimming (such as golf or using treadmills or stationary bikes were no less likely to fall than those who only engaged in swimming .

8. Swimming is good for the mind

When we swim, almost all of our senses are involved: sight, hearing, touch, smell (and sometimes taste!). The rhythmic repetition of movements and breathing creates an anchor that calms the mind. Feeling the water moving over our body creates a massage sensation. Peace and quiet alleviate stress and promote relaxation and even creativity. In short, swimming is a form of mindfulness that releases accumulated tension.

Also Read About Swimming: DID YOU KNOW: SWIMMING IN COLD WATER