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Have you ever wondered why the elderly just can't be idle? Many people may not pay much attention to this problem, but in fact, what is hidden behind this is the multiple psychological and physical needs of the elderly. As they get older, many seniors retire at home and suddenly switch from a busy state of work to a relatively idle state of life, a transition that not everyone can easily adapt.
Psychologically, they may feel a sense of loss and an empty sense of idleness. In fact, many elderly people find a sense of existence and self-worth by being busy. They may participate in activities, interest groups, or even volunteering to not only fill their time, but also to make them feel that they are contributing to society or their families.
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Looking at the physiological level, an active lifestyle has many benefits for the health of the elderly, and staying physically active can help the elderly maintain better physical function and slow down the rate of muscle loss and joint degeneration.
Older people who regularly engage in moderate physical activity generally have much better bone density, muscle strength, and coordination than those who sit still all day. Does this difference make people feel that being idle can really bring many unexpected benefits?
Different older people have different ways of being idle, some people may like gardening and spend a few hours a day tending to their garden; Others may prefer manual work, such as weaving, carpentry, or painting. These activities not only keep them physically active, but they also keep their brains active.
Older people who use their brains often will have a much slower rate of cognitive deterioration. Memory and logical thinking skills, for example, tend to decline more slowly in older people who like to solve puzzles, play board games, or continue to learn new skills.
This non-idle state of life for the elderly is actually a way of self-care. In this way, they not only improve the psychological state, but also reduce the risk of loneliness and depression.
At the same time, it also builds a line of defense for itself physiologically to fight against various problems caused by aging, such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Each of these examples is not the experience of a single individual, but a portrayal of the lives of many older people.
The reason why the elderly can't be idle is actually a kind of deep-seated survival wisdom. They may not be aware of all the medical explanations, but their bodies and instincts tell them that activity is an important way to stay healthy. Does this love of life and the natural pursuit of health also make us have a more enthusiastic and positive attitude towards life?
Older people can indeed bring many benefits to being idle, but at the same time, it can also hide some potential risks. Overactivity or poorly chosen types of activities can have a negative impact on older adults, and excessive weight training or prolonged high-intensity exercise can cause damage to the joints and muscles of older adults.
Arthritis is very common in older age groups, and if not properly exercised, it can worsen the condition, causing pain and even further limiting mobility. This requires a balanced view of the type and intensity of activity to ensure that it delivers health benefits without putting additional strain on the body.
Excessive social activity can sometimes cause older people to feel tired and, in some cases, even cause psychological stress. Everyone's social needs are different, and finding a balance that works for you is crucial. For some older people who already prefer to enjoy quiet, alone time, the stress of social activities may instead cause them to feel more tired and depressed.
From a longevity perspective, maintaining proper physical and mental activity is undoubtedly an active lifestyle choice. Older people who are more physically and mentally active tend to live longer and have a better quality of life. This is not to say that they are completely free of health problems, but they are more effective in managing and adjusting their lifestyles to the changes that come with age.
There is a clear correlation between active lifestyle and longevity in older adults, but this correlation is not a single causal relationship, but a complex process of multifactorial interaction.
When older adults choose to stay physically active, their overall health often improves as a result. This is not only because physical exercise itself is directly beneficial to physical functioning, but more importantly, an active lifestyle can promote mental health and enhance social connections in older people, which are important factors that affect longevity.
From a physiological point of view, regular physical activity can effectively slow down the development of symptoms of old age, such as cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc.
Cognitive decline is slower in those who engage in regular physical activity than those with a more negative lifestyle. The increased blood flow from exercise not only improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, but also promotes the normal work of neurotransmitters, which help maintain cognitive function.
Life satisfaction is an important indicator of the health of older adults, and it covers multiple aspects of physical, psychological, and social levels. When older people feel that their lives are full and purposeful, their overall health tends to be better, which naturally affects their longevity as well.
For example, older people who interact regularly with family and friends and are actively involved in social activities tend to have higher levels of life satisfaction, better health, and longer lifespans.
An active lifestyle in older people requires proper planning and moderate control, and excessive activity, especially physical or mental overload, can have a negative impact on health. Lifestyles for older adults should be designed to take into account the individual's health status, range of abilities and interests, ensuring that activities provide health benefits without being unduly stressful.
Through reasonable activity arrangement, it can not only improve the quality of life of the elderly, but also extend their life expectancy to a large extent. We need to take a holistic approach to help older people find their own active lifestyle, so that they can enjoy life while enjoying health and longevity.
What do you think about the elderly not being idle? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!
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[1] Zheng Xueyang. Effect of Narrative Therapy on Self-compassion and Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Disabled and Semi-disabled Elderly, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2024-06-20