Exercise and Breast Cancer: Why It Matters for Seniors in Bakersfield

Regular, safe exercise lowers the chance of getting breast cancer and helps those who've had it live better lives. As a senior in Bakersfield, taking a simple walk or doing balance exercises can make a notable difference.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. reports that one in eight women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. That's a striking number and a useful wake-up call for prevention.

Exercise and breast cancer have a close relationship because staying active as you age lowers the risk. It also keeps your body strong enough for cancer screening and daily life.

Bakersfield offers easy access to parks and walking paths to help you stay active. The city is also a hub of country music and community events, giving you fun ways to stay engaged.

Can Exercise Reduce Breast Lumps?

Exercise doesn't directly shrink lumps caused by cancer cells or benign cysts. It lowers overall breast cancer risk and helps your body stay healthier.

Staying fit also helps you manage some of the biological conditions that make cancer more likely to start or grow. For example, it reduces excess body fat and improves your immune response. If you have a cancerous breast lump, being fit can also improve treatment tolerance and recovery.

Which Exercise Is Good for Breast Cancer?

The best aging and fitness program for breast cancer is the one you can do regularly and safely. At Columbus Estates, we encourage our residents to use a mix of the following:

Low-impact activities like walking and swimming
Strength training with resistance bands
Balance and flexibility exercises like yoga

Our team will help you develop an exercise plan based on your goals and health. We also plan tours to local attractions like the Park at River Walk and the Bakersfield Museum of Art to help you maintain an active lifestyle.

Exercise and Breast Cancer: Starting Tips for Older Adults in Bakersfield

Exercising as a senior in Bakersfield doesn't have to be overwhelming. Use these practical steps to boost senior health and wellness while lowering risks linked to breast cancer.

Talk to Your Doctor First

Before beginning any new routine, it's smart to check in with your doctor. They can give you cancer prevention tips and help you find exercises that do the following:

Protect your joints
Build bone density
Improve blood circulation

These aspects of women's health in retirement are important because they help you avoid falls. With medical support, you'll feel confident knowing your activities are safe and designed to help you thrive.

Start Small

When it comes to aging and fitness, it's always better to start slow and steady. Instead of committing to an hour-long workout, start with 5-10 minutes of walking twice daily. Then add in light strength-building moves to support independence.

After a while, you'll be able to exercise for longer periods of time without straining your muscles.

Make It Social

Working out with friends motivates you and improves accountability. Bakersfield is home to many options for group fitness tailored to older adults. You can check out any of these senior-friendly locations:

Ridgecrest Senior Center
Rasmussen Senior Center
Bakersfield Senior Center

Bakersfield, CA, senior living communities like Columbus Estates offer numerous ways to stay active and social.

Our program includes group activities like seated exercise and strength training classes. Beyond the physical benefits, these activities help you build friendships and give you something to look forward to each week.

Track Your Progress

You may expect significant results immediately you start an exercise routine. However, as a senior, consistency matters more than intensity.

Try setting small, realistic goals, like adding one extra block to your weekly walk or holding a wall push-up for a few seconds longer. Track your progress with fitness trackers or a simple journal. Once you see improvements, you'll feel more confident and be more likely to stick to your exercise plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Exercise Should Seniors Aim For?

As an older adult, you should aim for about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, which is 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. You can also incorporate muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. If full exercise sessions feel too hard, try focusing on 10-minute walks first.

What Does Exercise Do for People With Breast Cancer?

If you're fighting breast cancer, exercise is among the most helpful self-care tools available. Regular activity has the following benefits:

Reducing fatigue
Fighting depression and anxiety
Improving strength and mobility

Staying fit can also help you manage treatment side effects like swelling caused by blocked lymphatic fluid.

How Does a Senior Living Community Help Me Stay Active?

Staying active as a senior can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you live alone. Senior living communities provide the structure and environment you need to make exercising part of your everyday life.

At Columbus Estates, we offer independent living with supportive services that let you focus on your health and daily routines.

You'll also have access to safe walking paths and a full activities calendar. All these features make it easy and realistic to lead an active lifestyle. They also eliminate common barriers like the lack of a safe area to exercise or other seniors to motivate you.

How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health for Seniors?

Exercising is a powerful way to support your mental health. Moving your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that help reduce stress and lift your mood. Taking even a short walk or a gentle yoga class can make you feel calmer and less stressed.

Spending time with others while exercising also reduces loneliness, which is a major challenge for most seniors.

Live a Healthier, Active Life at Columbus Estates

Making exercise and breast cancer prevention a part of your routine improves your well-being. Before starting any program, talk to your doctors and set measurable goals. Then start small and explore the wellness programs at senior living in Bakersfield.

Are you looking for a community to help you live a healthier life? Columbus Estates offers exclusive programs like the Robust Events & Activities Calendar to make exercise part of daily life. We also provide chef-prepared homestyle dining and on-site wellness programs for your wellness needs.