Staying active as we age is a great way to stave off many age-related problems that occur as we get older. Unfortunately, it is very easy for seniors to develop a sedentary lifestyle after they retire. There are plenty of physical activity ideas for aging adults that you can do to stay healthy and fit and maintain your independence for much longer.
At Westminster Place, we are a luxury senior living community that welcomes Texas seniors who want a fulfilling retirement. We have many senior physical activity ideas that are included in your care program. Therapists will work with you to create a plan based on your medical or personal needs that can include strength training, yoga, aerobic exercise, and nutrition education.
For more information regarding our senior health and wellness plans, call 903.329.6520 or connect with Westminster Place online today to speak with our dedicated team.
The Importance of Staying Active as You Age
Staying active as you age is essential for maintaining your independence, avoiding hospitals and emergencies, and reducing the risk of falls and other accidents. In fact, reports show that seniors who don’t get enough exercise are at higher risk of experiencing chronic disease.
Senior adults who are sedentary are more prone to age-related illnesses and weight gain and are more prone to accidents and falls. Other illnesses and medical issues that increase with being physically inactive include:
- Cardiovascular diseases, like heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure
- Type II diabetes
- Certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer
- Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
- Worsening depression and anxiety
For seniors over the age of 65, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that they get 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, five days a week. That is 150 minutes of exercising each week, where you can get physically fit and have an easier time avoiding accidents and falls.
Westminster Place is a full-service senior living community that is ideal for seniors who want an active retirement. Our physical activities for aging adults are based on your activity level and can include walking/running, group exercises, strength training, and other beneficial workout programs.
Physical Activity Ideas for Aging Adults
Being physically active as we age is essential to lead a healthy and active retirement. Active seniors spend less time in doctor’s offices and recovering from illnesses and injuries, along with a host of other benefits. If you are interested in leading an active lifestyle, here are some physical activity ideas for aging adults:
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercise is any exercise that raises your heart rate and breathing while using large muscle groups over a sustained period of time. It helps keep your heart, lungs, and cardiovascular system healthy and can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, gardening, tai chi, and water aerobics.
Strength Training
More active seniors can start a strength training program to build muscle, increase flexibility, and reduce the risk of falls. They can use free weights, resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, and workout machines to add some variety to their workout program. The CDC recommends that seniors do strength training two times per week.
Balancing Exercises
Some more senior physical activity ideas include balancing exercises to help prevent falls, which can lead to serious injury, broken bones, and death. They can help with improving stability and coordination, increase independence, and improve your overall quality of life.
Types of balancing exercises for seniors include:
- Single-leg stands
- Walking heel to toe
- Star toe touches
- Tightrope walk
- Single-leg knee lifts
- Back leg raises
- Wall pushups
You should incorporate balancing exercises into your workout program at least three times a week for a minimum of 45 minutes.
Flexibility Exercises
Some more physical activity ideas for seniors include working on your flexibility. Increasing your flexibility will help build muscle, prevent injuries, and maintain your mobility. This will increase your range of motion over time and can help improve your balance. Some of the flexibility exercises you can do include neck rotations, overhead reach, hamstring stretches, shoulder rolls, hip stretches, and other exercises.
Contact Westminster Place for Information About Our Senior Health and Wellness Programs Today
At Westminster Place, we welcome Texas seniors who are looking for a luxury senior living community to enjoy their retirement. Our health and wellness plan is included with every care program and based on your current activity levels. It can include weekly exercise programs, yoga, cooking demonstrations and classes, meditation, and other social activities. To learn about the physical activities for aging adults that we include in all of our programs, complete our online form or call 903.329.6520 today to schedule a consultation and tour.