By: Linda Roberts
Original source: here.
Exercising is one of the best ways for older adults to keep healthy, but taking it outdoors can provide an extra health boost. Exercising outside opens up more opportunities for diversifying your routine. You can enjoy various activities, such as cycling, swimming, rowing, and many more.
Spending time in nature also has many perks that can enhance your physical and mental health. However, as an older adult, it helps to take precautions to ensure you can work out safely outside and protect your precious eyes from damage. Here are the benefits of exercising outdoors and how you can protect your eyes:
The benefits of outdoor exercises
Exercising outside can do wonders for boosting your overall fitness and health. As mentioned, it allows you to do more activities that can help keep every part of your body fit, going beyond what’s available in gyms. Exercise variety can reduce the risk of overuse injuries, broaden endurance capabilities, and prevent boredom with your workouts. Outdoor exercises can also improve your cognitive function, which is important for older adults to maintain with age. Exercising is already good for the brain, but doing it in nature enhances these effects and increases the cognitive benefits of working out and spending time outside. It can also help with your mental health, reducing depression and anxiety while alleviating feelings of isolation many older adults and seniors face.
Original source: here.
Though exercising outside offers a plethora of perks for older adults, it can also come with risks if you’re not adequately prepared. Your eyes are a particularly vulnerable part of your body, and symptoms of vision issues and eye conditions can be affected by spending a lot of time outside. Here are tips for keeping your eyes safe:
How to keep your eyes safe while exercising outdoors
Wear sunglasses
UV rays can significantly damage your eyes with prolonged exposure, increasing your risk of eye issues like cataracts and macular degeneration that typically develop with age. Sunglasses are a must for outdoor workouts, allowing you to block the sun’s harmful rays and harsh glare for a safe experience. Prioritize looking for shades with 100% UVA and UVB protection. You can consider polarized lenses if you exercise near water or snow to prevent glare. Prescription sunglasses are also an ideal option if you have vision issues that require you to wear glasses. Top brands like Ray-Ban offer prescription lenses for top models like the Aviator and Round Metal, which are equally practical and stylish. Well-crafted, durable frames may also lessen the risk of damage if they fall off or are dropped.
Original source: here.
Put on sunscreen
Sun exposure can make you more vulnerable to skin cancer, and the area around your eyes is especially delicate and sensitive, which can make damage more impactful and apparent. Sunscreen is one of the best ways to defend the skin around your eyes from harm and preserve your well-being. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, offering optimal protection from UVA and UVB rays. You can also consider sunscreen with skin-enhancing properties, such as those from EltaMD. The UV Clear SPF 46 not only defends against UV rays, but also contains ingredients that help hydrate and smoothen the skin for a more youthful look. Before heading out, always apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your face and every exposed part of your body and reapply regularly to replenish your protection after sweating.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is crucial when exercising, regardless of the environment in which you do it. However, exercising outdoors can dehydrate you faster, especially since the heat causes you to sweat more. Dehydration can also affect your eyes, as the lack of water in your body can make you more prone to uncomfortable, dry eyes. As such, a water bottle is a non-negotiable essential when you exercise outdoors. You can bring one with you when you’re going to be at a park or other outdoor location to take quick sips during breaks. If you will be on the move, look out for water fountains in the area or carry a lightweight bottle to ensure you can take a drink when you need to. Make sure to hydrate before and after your workout as well to replenish the fluid you lost.
