Can you remember way back when you first learned to ride your bike? The training wheels came off, maybe someone helped you along for a few yards, and then you were on your own. Your school days may well have been the last time you got on a bicycle. But consider this: The numerous benefits of cycling can be enjoyed even into your 50s, 60s, and older – it’s never too late to ride a bike again. (Just for the record, if you feel you may have a hard time balancing on two wheels, there are three-wheeled bicycles that are very popular among retirees. Most have a basket area in the back to carry your treasures home from a shopping trip.)
The more activities and events you participate in and attend in your golden years, the better. For mature riders, there may be more benefits to cycling than you may have thought. Let’s check out some of them.
Reduce Alzheimer’s Symptoms and Risks
You can delay, and maybe even prevent, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with daily exercise. Studies have already proven that both mental health and physical health benefit from regular exercise. Always stay within your limitations. So if you need to participate in chair yoga or a sit-and-be-fit program, so be it. Get up, get out, and go bicycling if you can, however.
Slow the Aging Process
You may not be able to stop the aging process, but if you could slow it down, why not? You lose muscle mass as you age. You will age faster and muscle loss will speed up if you stop being active. A group of people aged 55 to 80 was studied. Half of them did not bicycle while the other half did on a regular basis. Guess who was healthier? Compared to the non-cyclists, strength and muscle mass were better preserved in the cyclists.
Give Your Immune System a Boost
The results of a study show the following: People in their 80s who were regular cyclists enjoyed a more robust immune system. But why? It’s because, compared to people in their 20s, the 80-year-olds were actually producing just as many T cells (the body’s immune cells – T cells – are produced by the thymus organ).
Other Benefits of Bicycling For Retirement Age Individuals
The advantages of bicycling don’t stop with the above-stated benefits. Here are a few more:
- Improve mental health
- Socialize and meet new people
- Reduce the risk of falls and improve balance
- Joint stress is less than running or even walking
Retire In a Healthy Environment At Discovery Village At Twin Creeks
You will have every opportunity to live a healthy, happy life at Discovery Village At Twin Creeks. Not only will you be able to create nutritious and delicious meals in your refrigerator-equipped kitchenette, but we offer our Health and Fitness program. We know how essential it is that you get up and move – and continue to do so. You’ll be able to have fun and stay fit at the same time thanks to our wide range of activities. Your healthy living program could include yoga, Wii bowling, water aerobics, and more. Remember to attend the dances we sponsor, as well. It’s great exercise and the perfect opportunity for socialization.
If you have questions regarding leasing or sales, please contact us at 972-532-7042. A representative will be happy to answer any other inquiries if you phone 972-359-1770. If you’d rather, feel free to use our convenient online form to open the lines of communication.
Even better, schedule a tour so that you can view firsthand all we offer.
