Staying active and getting exercise is an important part of a healthy life for all ages, but especially for seniors. As we get older, exercise routines we love get harder, which in turn makes it harder to get up and be active. However, there are ways to exercise that aren’t too difficult to do but are extremely beneficial.
Yoga
Yoga is becoming more and more popular with the senior community. Its varying levels of difficulty allow you to do only what you can do, so anyone can follow along at their own pace. Yoga focuses on balance and flexibility, which is great for those with joint and muscle pain. Additionally, the practice can lead to mental health benefits — many use it to relax and reduce stress. The focus and concentration required during a yoga session help to keep the mind sharp and in sync with the body, making it a great way to get a full workout in!
Smartwatches and Pedometers
Wearable technology can be a motivating factor to get some exercise. Setting a goal for the number of steps you want to take in a day and having the technology track it for you is a great way to get active, even if you’re just walking around the house! Most wearable technology can also track heart rate, calories, and sitting time, so you will have lots of measurements to go off of in your quest to get active. For those that aren’t as tech-savvy, pedometers are the way to go. They are cheap and simple to use, so there’s no reason not to get up and accomplish your step goal for the day.
Aqua-Exercise
If you have access to a pool, water activities are a simple and safe way to get the exercise you need to stay healthy. Being in the water prevents the potential of falling and strain on bones and joints. Whether you’re swimming, walking around in the pool, or doing water aerobics, you’re getting a great whole-body workout. The resistance of the water makes your muscles work a little bit harder without the pressure on joints from being on hard ground. As with yoga, getting exercise in the pool can come in many different forms and fit to whatever your personal needs are.
At Foxtail, we understand the importance of staying active as you get older. Because of that, we offer exercise programs for all our residents to ensure that they have the best quality of life possible. If you’re curious about what those programs are, don’t hesitate to ask! We do everything we can to make sure our residents are comfortable and healthy so that they can live their lives to the fullest.
