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For Many in Our Community, There Are No Fitness Alternatives
Many Mission Valley community members, including seniors and those with disabilities, have little or no access to low-impact fitness activities. Distance is the main limiting factor; people living in the Mission Valley must travel over on hour to exercise at the nearest aquatic facility.
An inactive lifestyle can cause older adults to lose ground in four important areas for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. Older adults who exercise at least three times a week are much less likely to develop dementia than those who are less active, according to a study reported and funded by the National Institute of Aging (NIA).
The longer we can remain physically active as we age, the longer we will be able to live enjoyable and productive lives. Unfortunately, high impact exercise can have a detrimental impact on the bones, joints and muscles of people over fifty who have not maintained a regular exercise regimen. This is why swimming is an ideal way for seniors to get in shape and improve their overall well being.
One of the main benefits of swimming allows older people to tone and strengthen their bodies in a supported way. Regular exercise is extremely important in order to prevent serious health problem such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and some cancers. Exercising regularly combined with a healthy diet can actually reverse the symptoms of some of these diseases. Seniors who exercise a number of times a week have stronger immune symptoms and are able to better fight off disease.
Swimming is recognized as one of the best forms of therapy for those with disabilities, providing opportunities to experience the sensation of floating in water, develop water safety skills, and learn to swim. Moving in water can be used in a physiotherapy session or just to provide a sense of freedom and ease.
For young people without disabilities, the benefits are just as numerous. Youth who participate in aquatic activities gain all the benefits of full body cardiovascular exercise. Swimming helps raise confidence and self-esteem in children. And, best of all, it's healthy and fun!
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