CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Freepik
A gentle fitness trend known as micro-movement is helping aging bodies stay a little fitter as the days go by. Unlike most exercises, the aim is to discourage a sedentary lifestyle and stave off the effects that come with it. From improved circulation to joint health, here are some of the benefits.
What Is Micro-Movement?
Micro-movement is the act of intentional short bursts of physical activity with the aim of counteracting a sedentary lifestyle. This is especially useful for the elderly and people who haven’t exercised for a long time. Many home care services provide seniors with similar programs that are as accessible as they are healthy. Because the actions are small, they have minimal impact on frail bodies but provide enough to see significant long-term health benefits.
Improved Blood Circulation
Circulation problems are common among older people as the cardiovascular system becomes weaker. However, micro-movements can help reduce the negative impact as you get older. Standing and stretching activities the muscles, which in turn improves blood flow. Over time, the blood system begins to work more efficiently. These also trigger internal changes to the body that help reduce the negative effects of sitting around and being generally inactive all day.
The Gentle Fitness Trend for Fall Prevention
A survey by the CDC found that 25% of seniors over the age of 65 report falling at least once per year. Gentle fitness through micro-movement can provide healthier lifestyle adjustments for a happier senior living experience as you get older. Even with 15 minutes per day of small movements, it is enough to provide more muscle strength as you age to reduce the chance of falling. Additionally, it can help you stay more stable on your feet and aware of your surroundings.
Overall Better Joint Health
Even before you hit your 60s, the joints can begin to feel a bit worse for wear. Joint mobility is a common factor in aging bodies, and it can be a painful condition when it isn’t as smooth as it once was. However, small movements such as walking and stretching reduce how stiff your muscles are. Loosening them up also reduces the associated pain and can help with arthritis pain. This reduces long-term pain and can even help support a healthier posture.
Improved Mental Well-Being
Feeling good isn’t only about the physical side of things. Your mental health can also be improved when you move around. Short activities, such as a walk in the park, will help improve your mood and get you the fresh air and sunlight you need. However, movement in any form, even if it is a quick stretch, has been linked to hormone balance, including promoting endorphins and serotonin, which can act as a kind of mental rest during the day and after a stressful time.
Summary
Micro-movement focuses on small and gentle exercises that, while they aren’t exhausting, work to strengthen aging bodies. As such, the muscle stimulation and stability can prevent common falls in older people, and can even help improve mental well-being through hormone balancing.
