There are many reasons why adults tend to slow down with age. For some people, it is a shift in priorities, while for others it could be a change in schedule with retirement. For other people, a change in health circumstances or living arrangements may spur a change in the level of daily activity. And while slowing down can be tempting in all these circumstances, it is more important than ever. to live an active lifestyle as an aging adult.
Active living for seniors is key to maintaining a strong level of senior health and fitness. Seniors who live an active lifestyle have more energy, maintain their independence longer, have stronger hearts and are better able to manage stress and pain related to various health conditions.
It is never too late to learn about senior exercise options! And to make the best choices when it comes to senior health and fitness, it helps to understand the benefits of exercise for seniors, how to keep seniors active and the best exercise options for seniors who want to live an active lifestyle.
Senior Health and Fitness
Healthcare and fitness professionals will always agree that physical activity and exercise are part of a healthy, active lifestyle. There are numerous studies that prove the important health benefits associated with exercise, and it becomes more important as we age. And many senior communities, like Anthology of Natick, offer exercise, fitness and wellness programs designed to engage residents.
Regular physical activity and senior exercise helps improve mental and physical health, both of which will help to maintain independence. Below are some of the top benefits of senior exercise:
Disease Prevention
Senior exercise can help prevent many common diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Senior exercise also improves overall immune function, which is incredibly important for older adults as our immune systems become more compromised over time. Even light senior exercise, such as walking, can be a powerful tool for preventable disease management.
Improved Mental Health
Exercise produces endorphins, which can relieve stress and leave the person feeling happy and relaxed. In addition, senior exercise can also improve sleep, which helps older adults who suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
Reduced Risk of Falls
Older adults are at a higher risk of falls, which can be potentially disastrous for maintaining independence. Senior exercise improves strength and flexibility, which also help improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
Opportunities for Social Engagement
Maintaining strong social ties is important for aging adults to feel a sense of purpose and avoid feelings of loneliness or depression. From group classes, like those offered at Anthology of Louisville, to taking a walk with friends, there are lots of ways to make senior exercise social.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Regular physical activity and fine-tuned motor skills benefit cognitive function. Countless studies suggest seniors who live an active lifestyle have a lower risk of dementia, no matter how late in life they begin their senior exercise routines.
Fitness for Seniors
Starting an exercise routine at any age can be a challenge; picking up new habits in your golden years can seem insurmountable. Aches and pains, concerns about injuries and lack of knowledge can make senior exercise programs unappealing and intimidating. However, senior exercise routines can bring benefits, big and small. Here are some of the most popular ways for active seniors to exercise and live healthy:
Walking. Taking a walk is one of the least stressful forms of senior exercise. Distance and step goals should depend on the person, but taking 10,000 steps per day is suggested as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. At Anthology of Northville, seniors can enjoy a stroll through beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces.
Water aerobics. Water aerobics are a very popular form of exercise for all ages, but especially for active seniors. Exercising in the water is ideal for those living with arthritis and other forms of joint pain, as the buoyancy of the water puts less stress on the joints. Additionally, water brings natural resistance, which eliminates the need for weights in strength training.
Chair yoga. Chair yoga is one of many low-impact exercises for older adults that improve mobility, balance, flexibility and strength. Chair yoga is an accessible form of yoga that provides less stress on muscles, joints and bones than more conventional forms of yoga. This is an easy exercise program to start at home or at senior communities, like Anthology of Farmington, in their dedicated fitness center.
Resistance band workouts. Resistance band workouts are user-friendly and accessible for seniors. These exercises are ideal for strengthening the core, which improves posture, mobility and balance. It is easy to add these moves into senior exercise routines, either at home or as part of an exercise program at a senior community like Anthology of Olathe.
Pilates. Pilates is a popular, low-impact form of exercise that focuses on breathing, alignment, concentration and core strength. As part of senior fitness, Pilates has been shown to improve balance, develop core strength and increase flexibility in older adults.
Anthology Senior Living
All of the Anthology Senior Living communities share a commitment to our purpose and our values. Our values are a part of building all our programs, how we care for each resident and how we address their unique needs. By understanding our residents’ needs and goals, we can create engaging activities to keep our residents learning and enjoying each and every day. Our forward-thinking approach to care allows us to support our residents’ needs today, while also focusing on healthy habits that will help them enjoy each day going forward.
Want to see our culture and values in action? Contact us to schedule a visit and tour an Anthology community today!