6 Reasons Why Millennials Should Continue to Exercise as They Age

While exercise is crucial for longevity and quality of life, even millennials, who grew up with more active lifestyles than previous generations, aren't immune to the effects of aging. As millennials approach and enter their forties (as of 2020), many are experiencing decreased strength, longer recovery times, and increased aches and pains. These physical changes, coupled with increased responsibilities at home, work, and in social life, raise the question: why prioritize exercise as we age?There are six key reasons why you should continue to make exercise a priority as you age and why it’s essential to maintaining a good quality of life- especially as a millennial.

1. We’re the generation with a life expectancy to be the longest so consistency working out will ensure a better quality of life

It’s predicted that in 2050, the number of Americans 65 and older is estimated to be 88 million- most of those being millennials. Staying healthy by continuing to work out and stay active will help extend a better quality of life.

2. Working out will help prevent a new era of mass elder poverty

Millennials are the first large group of people to age carrying a massive amount of debt along with them and essentially no backup plan to relieve it. Getting older together won’t be much fun, especially if we aren’t taking primary preventative action. Working out will help us extend our health and ward off expensive hospital and doctor visits.

3. Exercise is critical for brain function and warding off brain degenerative diseases

It’s shown through various studies that staying active helps to ward off Alzheimers and dementia, two huge threats to any aging population. The number of Americans affected by Alzheimer's is expected to grow from 5 million today to 15 million by 2050 (Ebeling, 2016). Exercise increases oxygen to your brain, and in turn, keeps your brain sharp.

4. Exercise helps stop, delay, and improve illnesses like heart disease and high blood pressure

Not only does exercise help fight and prevent heart disease and HBP, but generally speaking, it improves overall immune function which is important especially for older people. Even light exercise, such as walking, can be a powerful tool for preventable disease management.

5. Exercise helps improve mobility and flexibility which may prevent falls or accidents

Older adults are at a higher risk of falls, which can prove to be potentially disastrous for maintaining independence. Exercise improves strength and flexibility, which also helps improve balance and coordination which ultimately can reduce the risk of falls.

6. Social engagement

Millennials are known as the “lonely” generation compared to Gen X’s and boomers. Many of us will age without kids and some without a partner. Since marriage and children's stats are down, this puts Millenials at risk for isolation, depression, and loneliness, especially as we move into our senior years. Maintaining strong social ties is important for aging adults to feel a sense of purpose and avoid feelings of loneliness or depression. (source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/08/the-millennial-friendship-crisis/)

As if you needed six more reasons to continue hitting the gym or to start, here you have them! Our bodies need extra care to stay fit and healthy as we get older and millennials are not exempt from this fact. Put the odds in your favor by starting now! Remember, it’s never too late.

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Source:

Ebeling, A. (2016, April 22). Why Millennials Should Be Worried About Aging America. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleaebeling/2016/04/21/why-millennials-should-be-worried-about-aging-america/#35415082688c