Old age can cause many diseases. In order to age healthier, it is of great importance to pay attention to living habits when you are young. Physical activity forms the basis of healthy aging. Noting that the muscle mass in the body decreases especially after the age of 40, Prof. Dr. Cem Coşkun Avcı said, “Exercise sports are beneficial in terms of health in old age, as it is at any age. Since the muscle mass of the elderly who do sports is not lost, it is possible to prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Sports that are suitable for the age and condition of the person have protection against joint diseases and even Alzheimer’s.
PLAYING SPORTS PROTECTS FROM CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
prof. Dr. Cem Coşkun Avcı pointed out that elderly patients can improve their quality of life by doing sports. prof. Dr. Cem Coşkun Avcı, stating that sports are very beneficial for the elderly as well as children, said, “Especially after the age of 40, a negative balance occurs in the body and muscle mass begins to decrease. This process accelerates with bone density, bone amount and especially with menopause in women. In this case, sports have great benefits for muscle mass and bone mass in the skeletal system. There is no loss in muscle mass of the elderly who do sports. When we protect our muscle mass, we also protect our physical health. Because the reason for many diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that develop after middle age is the decrease in muscle mass. Since sports protect muscle mass, it protects people from metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases. In other words, while preventing bone resorption in the skeletal system and protecting muscle mass, it also prevents many metabolic disorders.
SPORTS MUST BE DONE ACCORDING TO AGE AND HEALTH STATUS
Stating that injurious sports should be avoided for joint health, Prof. Dr. Avcı continued as follows: “Sports to be performed in accordance with the age and health status of the person also make great contributions to joint health. When our joints are mobile, our cartilages become healthier. In addition, since we are protected from weight, sports have a direct effect on weight control and joint health. Especially Falling in advanced ages is a very big problem, hip fractures, spinal fractures or other fractures may occur in many patients as a result of falling. Sometimes this situation becomes life-threatening in elderly patients. Therefore, exercise has a reducing effect on the risk of falling in the elderly. It also has a metabolic effect. “As sports are beneficial, it also protects them from diabetes and related complications. It prevents forgetfulness, which is effective in preserving cognitive functions. It even has a protective effect from Alzheimer’s disease. In other words, exercise also protects the brain health of the elderly. It has extremely positive effects on mental and cognitive functions.”
WALKING MUST BE DONE AT LEAST 3 DAYS A WEEK
prof. Dr. Avcı recommended regular exercise in the elderly and gave the following information: “For the elderly, exercise should be done every day or every other day in a way that does not tire the body too much. This includes simple cardio exercises or walking at least 3 days a week. For it to be effective, Duration and frequency vary from person to person. The most important thing is that it should be safe, sports that have a high risk of injury for the elderly should be avoided. Sports should be enjoyable and easy to apply. Particularly group sports are more motivating. It will be easier to get efficiency. In addition, if a healthy diet is created, maximum benefit from exercise is provided. Thus, it is especially protected from diabetes, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. It is also extremely effective against osteoporosis. Very useful for joint health, range of motion The protection of the body, the protection of the muscle strength ensures the protection of the mobility of the person.