FORT MYERS, Fla. – When it comes to staying fit, elderly Americans are opting to water exercise because of its simplicity and substantial health benefits.

Water aerobics does not cause as much impact on a person’s body because water is naturally buoyant. It also gives resistance, and a cooling effect that will decrease joint impact while working out.

Water buoyancy reduces the "weight" of a person to 90 percent, according to the American Council on Exercise. “This reduces the burden on stress-bearing joints and muscles,” states a recent news article by Yahoo Sports. “For this reason, water aerobics will less likely cause injury and muscle soreness. If you are having difficulty performing certain body movements on land, you may find relief when performing them underwater. That is why water aerobics is excellent for those with arthritic joints or those recovering from painful injuries.”

Not just that, but health ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, menopause, cardiovascular problems, back problems and osteoporosis can benefit from water aerobics, says the Aquatic Exercise Association.

"It's clear that aqua aerobics or water-based activities provide significant benefits for older adults, including increasing metabolism," says Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, PhD, head of the department of kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Chodzko-Zajk has led research for 15 years that looked into the effects of physical activity – both on land and in water – among older adults, according to WebMD.

Water-based exercise will not only increase a person’s metabolism, but it will improve their cardiovascular health, increase strength, slow down age-related loss of muscle and decrease reaction time that comes with old age.

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS

Chodzko-Zajko says there are major psychological benefits to staying fit. People feel better about themselves, as exercise releases feel-good chemicals, known as endorphins, in their bodies. More often than not, they are more engaged in community activities, and they tend to not lose their independence because they're physically fit, says Chodzko-Zajko.

WOMEN AND WATER EXERCISE

In March 2002, researchers found that elderly women who participated in regular aquatic exercise over a 12-week timeframe will experience more strength, flexibility and agility; they will also have better cholesterol levels, according to Nobuo Takeshima, who lead research in the study at Nagoya City University of Japan. The research was publish in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise.

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