Benefits of Swimming

If you’re looking to start a new exercise routine or looking to change to something lower impact, swimming is a wonderful option. It is low impact and has a low risk of injury while working out all the muscle groups in the body. Read below for more of the health benefits of swimming for older adults. 

  • Improves heart health. Because swimming is a type of aerobic exercise, it makes your heart stronger and improves your endurance. It can also lower blood pressure and improve circulation, which helps your overall cardiovascular health. 
  • Gentle on the joints. Because swimming is low impact and not weight bearing, it’s very easy on your joints. This is especially helpful for someone experiencing joint pain or discomfort. 
  • Reduces osteoporosis risk. Because swimming can improve bone mineral density (BMD), it can help fight osteoporosis. A third of women and a fifth of men over the age of 50 break a bone due to osteoporosis. 
  • Flexibility. Stretching before or after any exercise session can help you regain flexibility, but swimming itself can also help you to increase flexibility in your hips, legs, arm and neck while also helping to improve your posture and relieve or lessen back pain.
  • Improve muscle strength and tone. Because swimming uses every muscle group, it can help improve your overall strength and muscle tone. 
  • Boost mental health. Swimming can reduce stress levels, boost your mood, and increase your brain function. Because water aerobics classes and other swimming activities are often done with a group of people, it can help you to avoid feeling isolated or lonely too.