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Just As Many Benefits As Traditional Exercise

Staying active with age is essential. But older adults don’t have to spend endless hours on the treadmill. Gardening can offer just as many health benefits as a traditional exercise routine.

Why gardening is beneficial

Gardening is not only physical exercise. The activity also involves cognitive skills and problem-solving. Additionally, the purposeful nature of gardening, not to mention being in nature, can help to improve a person’s mood.

Lose weight

Many people don’t realize that gardening can help people lose weight. In fact, one study found that people who garden have significantly lower BMIs and lower odds of being overweight or obese than non-gardeners. What was the exact difference? On average, women gardeners weighed 11 pounds less than non-gardeners and men weighed 16 pounds less.

Avoid the treadmill boredom

Tired of spending hours on end staring at nothing while treadmill walking? Gardening is a workout with a purpose that boasts just as many benefits as traditional gym workouts. Pushing a wheelbarrow, carrying mulch, pulling weeds, moving pots, and pushing a mower are all strengthening exercises. Research of adults aged 63-86 found that regular gardening is a great way to fulfill the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly exercise recommendations.

Decrease risk of heart disease

Heart disease prevention is increasingly important as people age. People don’t typically think of gardening as high-intensity cardiovascular exercise. But studies have found that gardening can cut a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke by as much as 30%.

Boost your mood

Fresh-cut flowers can undoubtedly brighten a room and boost people’s spirits. And growing those flowers can offer the same mood improvements. Researchers studied how growing flowers and vegetables in space can help astronauts feel less depressed, anxious, lonely, and isolated. Researchers concluded that being involved in meaningful work, like growing a garden, can help people feel more positive and productive.

Fight infections faster

As people age, the immune system ages as well. This can make it harder to fight infection and stay well. Certain bacteria in dirt can help boost the immune system. The soil bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae, which is common in gardening dirt, has been found to alleviate the symptoms of allergies, asthma, and psoriasis, all of which are linked to a compromised immune system.

Keep your brain sharp

One long-term study found that gardening was a significant factor in reducing people’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Researchers discovered that daily gardening could reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 36%. The reasons for this link aren’t clear. However, gardening does require an intricate use of critical functions, including strength, endurance, skill, problem-solving, critical thinking, and sensory awareness.

Pick up your gardening tools

As people age, staying active is key to good health. Gardening is just one way to keep the mind and body young. Not only does gazing at a garden boost a person’s mood but tending to that garden can keep spirits high as well.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.