Top five exercises for healthy ageing!

Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei

Physical activity, exercise and fitness – the benefits of all these terms are endless – from reducing your risk of several diseases to keeping your youth intact.

Yes, exercise is the key to staying young and fit. Although we know about the immense health benefits of exercise and physical activity, most of us are just either being lazy or don't have time to workout in this super busy schedule.

But think over it again, if you wish to retain that youthful, radiant look. You shouldn't find excuses to write off your workout – it's entirely within your graps and how you manage your time.

So instead of depending on anti-ageing products and services, protect yourself against the effects of ageing naturally and internally with a few movements.

Here are a few exercises that will help you stay younger and healthier:

Stay active: The best way to counter the effects of ageing on our bodies and minds is maintaining good fitness. Studies suggest that aslittle as 15 minutes of exercise a day may increase a person lifespan by as much as three years.

Walking: Studies show that adults over 65 who walk or exercise moderately reduce their risk of dementia by one-third.

Jogging: A study from the University of Colorado has shown that jogging or running can help protect against memory loss after an illness.

Tai Chi: Research has found that older people who do tai chi improved their balance and increased their senses of well-being. Tai chi prevents falls among seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury death and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital trauma admissions among people 65 or older.

Leg exercise: With age, you are more likely to experience swelling in the legs - a condition called peripheral edema – associated with ageing. Leg exercise can help reduce or prevent the swelling.