Staying active as a senior

For those of any age, exercise provides numerous benefits in all areas of health and wellness. Those who have been active their whole lives can find that it is more difficult to complete physical activity that once came easy, but that doesn’t mean they have to stop altogether. Conversely, those who have never had an exercise regimen might see little use in starting one now, but exercise can help slow the onset of many common diseases in seniors.

Regardless of how much exercise a senior has had throughout his or her life, keeping up with age-appropriate physical activity can make life immensely easier for them and their caretaker as it improves movement, increases strength, and encourages social interaction. Seniors also are likely to suffer from depression, and exercise has been proven to significantly reduce emotional problems.

One of the biggest benefits of regular exercise for elderly individuals is increased mobility. Getting older means common tasks can become more difficult because of aches and pains, which can make it hard to find the motivation to exercise, but it is actually more helpful to move than to stay in one place. Consider low-impact, brisk workouts described below to make exercising easy and fun.

One of the easiest ways to stay active is walking or hiking. Walking is low-impact and doesn’t have to be strenuous, and hiking in nature has numerous benefits for the mind and body. If easy trails are accessible, consider making a hiking day a regular outing in the warmer months. In-home caretakers in Philadelphia can walk with clients, making sure they are safe when they are out and about.

Another activity that is easy on the joints is swimming. It also uses all of the large muscle groups of the body, giving a truly comprehensive workout. For those that don’t know how to swim or can’t swim well, getting swimming lessons are a great opportunity to learn a new skill while getting in valuable movement. If swimming lessons aren’t an option, water aerobics classes are a fun way to get in beneficial activity, so check out local pools and community centers for those offerings.

Weight lifting can be a great way to keep muscles strong and mobile. Elderly individuals can keep workouts simple, and even do them in their own homes with a small set of weights. Keep movements easy and quick, and be sure to involve all major muscle groups. Squats, overhead presses, rows, and push-ups are all great moves to have in a routine. Additionally, a proper warm-up and cool down that includes a variety of stretches can prevent sore or pulled muscles. Aim to warm up and cool down for at least five minutes each.