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A specialist in geriatrics offers 5 best sports for seniors - because you can play sports at any age. Physical activity is not only he alth, but also social contacts and a more efficient brain. View the gallery!

Advantages of playing sports in retirement

- Not only biological age determines the state of our organism. We have an influence on many factors that determine our he alth and well-being. In this respect, physical activity has only advantages. If we move, we are he althier, and besides, we look and feel younger - says prof. Shlomo Noy, a global specialist in geriatrics.

It's not for me, I'm in too bad shape, I've never done it, I'm too old or too weak for it, it's boring, I have to save my strength. There are many reasons not to move, but the reasons not to move are more important. A sedentary lifestyle means that we visit doctors and hospitals more often.

It is easier to climb the stairs, muscles and joints work more efficiently, you do not lose your breath. Regular physical activity is the key to he alth at any age. In the case of seniors, however, it becomes particularly important because the risk of specific he alth problems increases with age.

Physical exercise strengthens immunity and significantly reduces the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and problems related to excess cholesterol, as well as alzheimer's and other dementia diseases. - It is worth emphasizing that physical activity also supports the work of the brain and is good for memory. That is why it is so important for anyone who would like to maintain independence as long as possible. In addition, it gives a lot of satisfaction, because in the case of seniors, training brings visible results very quickly - adds prof. Shlomo Noy.

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You like yourself, you like others

Physical activity directly translates into social activity. It's good to have company during everyday walks, bike rides, and for example we won't play boules ourselves. It is also important that in the context of sport and recreation, relationships develop naturally and are associated with positive emotions. - Regular exercise is a great motivation to establish and maintain contacts with others. Positive relationships make you feel better in such a wayto the same degree for a 20-year-old and an 80-year-old, and besides, they give self-confidence and reduce stress levels.

5 best sports for seniors

- Before starting regular exercise, it is worth asking your doctor what types of sport will be right for you. Especially if we haven't been physically active for a long time. However, it is also very important to find a sport for yourself, i.e. one that not only best suits the needs of the body, but is also fun. This guarantees that we will have fun with the exercises - says the professor.

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