Benefits of Swimming for Seniors

1. Swimming is low impact on your joints

Most traditional sports have a high impact on your joints. This puts a lot of pressure on your hips, knees and ankles. The buoyancy of water supports your joints, meaning you don’t have to bear as much weight. By keeping pressure off your joints swimming is great for older adults who suffer from arthritis or those with problems in their hips or knees.

2. Is swimming good for your heart?

Like any cardiovascular exercise, swimming is good for your heart. It can reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Swimming also works the lungs, so fitting in a regular swimming session will lower your heart and breathing rate, increasing your overall health and fitness.

3. Can swimming increase flexibility?

Your flexibility decreases the older you get, and the less flexible you are, the more prone you are to injuries. The range of motion your body performs during swimming activities can lengthen your muscles, making you more flexible. As a result of being more limber, you might find your muscle coordination improve, an alleviation of back pain, and a better posture.

4. Swimming may increase balance and core strength

Continuing with the benefits to your muscles, swimming makes use of all your muscles, especially your core muscles. A good core is essential to your balance, so if the thought of doing sit-ups terrify you then swimming might be the way to go. Strong abdominal muscles will greatly improve your balance and therefore reduce your risk of falling.

Swimming doesn’t only do wonders for senior citizens, read about the health benefits it can have for women during pregnancy.

Source: https://www.swimfreak.co.uk/blog/exercise/benefits-of-swimming-for-seniors/