Retirement is a chance to enjoy life after decades of work.

But it’s important to remember that with freedom comes responsibility — and for retirees, that means staying active and avoiding becoming sedentary. The health risks associated with lack of exercise are just too great to ignore. Here are six reasons why retired folks should stay off the recliner and on their feet.

Number one!
Fight Heart Disease – According to the American Heart Association, physical activity helps lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure while reducing fat storage around the waistline — all factors in preventing heart disease. In addition, regular exercise has been shown to reduce risk of stroke by up to 27 percent.

Number two
Improve Cognitive Function – Exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes neurogenesis — the growth of new neurons in the brain. This can help improve cognitive function in older adults and may even reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Number three
Beat Stress – We all know how stressful life can be, especially during retirement years when dealing with health issues or financial difficulties. Fortunately, exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress levels naturally — it releases endorphins (the body’s natural feel-good chemicals) that help relieve stress and boost mood significantly.

Number four
Alleviate Depression – Exercise is a natural antidepressant; studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression as effectively as antidepressants drugs in some cases. It also helps boost self-esteem and confidence by promoting a sense of accomplishment for completing an exercise program or reaching a fitness goal.

Number Five
Increase Energy Levels – You may think that exercising would make you more tired, but actually it does just the opposite — regular workouts increase energy levels overall by improving circulation throughout your body and delivering more oxygen to your cells and tissues, giving them more energy so they can perform their functions better.

Number six
Enhance Quality Of Life – Last but certainly not least is quality of life — staying active helps maintain mobility so you can do all those things you love like gardening or golfing without feeling stiff or sore afterwards; plus it keeps you mentally sharp so you can stay involved in social activities with family and friends without feeling overwhelmed or confused easily by conversations or tasks at hand..

When it comes down to it, there’s no reason why retirees shouldn’t stay active during their golden years — from increased energy levels to improved mental clarity, regular physical activity offers countless benefits for continued good health and well-being long into retirement age . So don’t be fooled by stories about grandmas who spend all day in rocking chairs; instead get out there yourself for weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises- your body will thank you!