The Significance and Strategies of Exercise for the Elderly（老年人运动的意义与策略）
Exercise is not merely a pursuit for the young but an essential component for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of the elderly. (运动不仅是年轻人的追求，更是维持老年人身心健康的重要组成部分。）
As people age, physiological changes such as decreased muscle mass, reduced bone density, and declining cardiovascular function become more pronounced. （随着年龄的增长，肌肉量减少、骨密度降低和心血管功能下降等生理变化愈发明显。）
Regular exercise can effectively counteract these changes, enhancing the quality of life for older adults. （定期运动可以有效抵消这些变化，提升老年人的生活质量。)
One of the most significant advantages of exercise for the elderly is its positive impact on muscle strength and bone health. (运动对老年人最显著的好处之一在于其对肌肉力量和骨骼健康的积极影响。）
Resistance training, such as using light weights or resistance bands, can slow down the process of sarcopenia (muscle loss) and help maintain muscle mass. （阻力训练，如使用轻量哑铃或弹力带，可以减缓肌肉减少症（肌肉流失）的进程，有助于保持肌肉量。）
This, in turn, improves balance and reduces the risk of falls, a common and serious issue among the elderly.（这进而能改善平衡能力，降低老年人常见且严重的跌倒风险。)
Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and stair climbing stimulate bone growth, increasing bone density and reducing the likelihood of osteoporosis - related fractures. (像散步、慢跑和爬楼梯这样的负重运动能刺激骨骼生长，增加骨密度，降低因骨质疏松导致骨折的可能性。）
Additionally, aerobic exercises, such as swimming and cycling, enhance cardiovascular function, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation, reducing the risk of heart diseases. （此外，游泳和骑自行车等有氧运动可以增强心血管功能、降低血压、改善血液循环，减少患心脏病的风险。)
Exercise also plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health. (运动在维持心理健康方面也起着关键作用。）
Regular physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as "feel - good hormones," which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. （定期的体育活动会刺激内啡肽的释放，内啡肽通常被称为“快乐荷尔蒙”，它可以缓解抑郁和焦虑症状。）
Group exercise classes, such as tai chi or yoga, provide opportunities for social interaction, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation that are common among the elderly.（太极拳或瑜伽等团体运动课程提供了社交互动的机会，减少老年人常见的孤独感和孤立感。)
Moreover, exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function. (此外，研究表明运动可以改善认知功能。）
It enhances blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new neurons, and may delay the onset of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers. （它能增加大脑的血液供应，促进新神经元的生长，并可能延缓认知能力下降以及阿尔茨海默病等神经退行性疾病的发病。)
重点词汇：
1. pronounced /prəˈnaʊnst/ adj. 明显的；显著的
2. counteract /ˌkaʊntərˈækt/ v. 抵消；对抗
3. sarcopenia /ˌsɑːkəˈpiːniə/ n. 肌肉减少症
4. osteoporosis /ˌɒstɪəʊpɔːˈrəʊsɪs/ n. 骨质疏松症
5. endorphins /enˈdɔːfɪnz/ n. 内啡肽
6. alleviate /əˈliːvieɪt/ v. 减轻；缓解
7.neurodegenerative /ˌnjuərəʊdɪˈdʒenərətɪv/ adj. 神经退行性的
