According to BikingForSeniors.com, for most seniors, retirement and trying to improve your health go hand in hand. One of the best things you can do to stave off heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases is to hop on a bike. Bicycling is FUN! And it doesn’t have to be a chore like your average exercise program. You can do it nearly anywhere; you can find bike trails in the country or the city.
Best of all, to boost your health benefits with a regular biking program, you don’t have to become a complete fanatic. A bike ride of a decent length a few times per week will give you all the health benefits you require without that gym club membership.
- Reduce Cancer Risk: According to the paper “The Health Benefits of Cycling: a systematic review”, studies demonstrated a strong correlation between commuter cycling and decreased all-cause and cancer mortality rates in middle-aged to elderly subjects. Cycling boosts heart health, lets you lose weight more quickly, and keeps your muscles in shape, all of which contribute to a longer life span and a healthier lifestyle.
- Stave Off Diabetes by Trimming Your Waistline: Whether you’ve been diagnosed as a diabetic or you are just looking to keep the disease at bay, cycling is one of the best ways to whittle down belly fat and raise your metabolism.
- Is it Safe for Seniors? Concerns about increasing brittleness of bones and the likelihood of a heart attack may keep some seniors from getting on a bike. There is no need for concern unless your doctor specifically tells you to stay off your bike. Studies have shown that the benefits from cycling outweigh the potential risks by a ratio of 20:1. The chances that you will end up in a serious accident on a bike are far less than the chances you have of being injured driving your car. As with any exercise, you should consult with your doctor if you have any health conditions that you should consider before starting a new exercise regime.
Whatever your reasons for getting on a bike, you’ll quickly find it to be a highly addictive sport! An active cycling life leads to new experiences, new sights, new friends, and even a new fantastic body. There’s no reason to not get on a bike, and every reason to try it. University Village even provides bicycles to residents that are designed for increased stability and safety. So c’mon seniors, let’s get biking!
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