New Delhi: Swimming can help prevent frailty in older adults. It enhances both physical and mental well-being and promotes healthy ageing, says a report in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
The report, published in 2025, also featured a case study demonstrating the improvement and progress of a 96-year-old patient. It found that regular physical activity, especially low-impact exercises such as swimming, can help older adults maintain strength, balance, and overall health.
Frailty is a common condition associated with ageing, weakness, low energy, poor balance, and a reduced ability to perform daily activities. It can affect quality of life and increase the risk of illness, falls, and dependence on medications.
Earlier studies have revealed that in community-dwelling older adults, regular swimming exercises play a significant role in improving micro and macrovascular function, potentially contributing to a reduced risk of age-related cardiovascular disease.
Scientific evidence also shows that exposure to, and engagement with, water environments such as rivers, lakes, and coastal areas is beneficial for human health.
“Contact with water is positively associated with increased physical activity levels, improved mood, and enhanced mental well-being,” the article read.
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Case study
The 96-year-old patient in the study exhibited common signs of ageing-related weakness, including difficulty performing daily activities, low energy, and poor balance. When she started visiting a local pool, she quickly noticed improvements in relaxation and reduced anxiety.
The patient began a regular swimming routine, guided by healthcare professionals. Her family also assisted her in swimming in a nearby lake, observing major positive changes in her behaviour and health.
The patient reported feeling happier, more confident, and more motivated to stay active. She also began to work through her grief over the loss of her husband, which had been the most difficult challenge for her to overcome.
“At the age of 99, she continues to swim in a pool for an hour a day and continues to age healthily and gracefully,” the report read.
The study demonstrates that regular exercise can minimise the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and increase active life expectancy.
“Water-based training (WT) programs are increasingly recommended for enhancing health and physical fitness in both healthy adults and adults with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, as well as people with special health conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease,” the report said.
Water-based exercise is as effective as land-based exercise in improving physical fitness, showing statistically significant improvements in muscle strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. Psychological benefits include improved health-related quality of life, mood, reduced tension, and lower anxiety and depression levels.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)