Pat Taylor, director of health and Helen Tite, owner, The Core Health Consultancy and iCareiMove, discuss the role and importance of movement and exercise in later life, and how it can improve both health and wellbeing
Everyone is entitled to move, whether they have physical or mental health problems or both. We know that exercise can improve health through the release of endorphins and serotonin, which have positive effects on mood, stress, anxiety and depression, and can lead to a perceived reduction in pain.
Exercise is also known to reduce fatigue, improve alertness and concentration and enhance cognitive function and can help to reduce sleep disturbance, a side effect of dementia as a result of which the circadian rhythm can be disrupted. Sleep cycles can be improved by both physical activity and regular social interaction.
Movement is vital in maintaining and increasing independence. What we see is that it can reduce pain, stiffness and discomfort and improve mood. We regularly witness the positive effects of exercise and how it can improve quality of life. This includes: reducing pain when walking or sitting; being more able to stand from a seated or lying position; improving flexibility, allowing someone to put on their own pants and socks and not having to ask for assistance; enabling someone to go to the toilet independently.
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