Physical activity will benefit your health in different ways during your senior years. In addition to decreasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers, exercise can alleviate pain, lift your mood, improve your memory, and prevent anxiety or depression.
However, physical activity doesn’t always feel easy for some seniors, as they might struggle with mobility issues, tiredness, or weaker bones and muscles. Yet, it is possible to adopt a healthy exercise regimen as you grow older. Here’s how to make staying active easier in later life.
Start Small
Never rush into exercise, especially during your senior years. Build up to increasing the time, length and pace of physical activity to avoid doing too much too soon. For example, you could start with light exercises, such as enjoying a 30-minute walk outdoors or stretching while watching TV.
Once you feel ready, you can increase your pace or time length, such as going for a brisk walk or performing a 10-minute workout at home. However, you must avoid doing too much too soon. Stop exercising right away if you experience discomfort, pain or fatigue to prevent an accident or injury.
Perform Gentle Exercises
Exercise is important for a senior’s mental and physical health, which is why signature care homes encourages its residents to perform gentle exercises regularly, such as Tai Chi, Pilates, and seated yoga.
Regular physical activity supports good mobility, bone strength, and stronger muscles. Also, it can ward off various mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Embrace Enjoyable Activities
Exercise isn’t limited to the gym or expensive equipment. Seniors can get their bodies moving by embracing activities they enjoy, such as:
- Gardening
- Dancing
- Playing bowls
- Walking
Choose activities that will get your body moving to feel healthier, happier, and younger than your years.
Involve Your Family or Friends
You’re more likely to stick to an exercise if it is fun. Boost your fitness by asking family members or friends to join you for a walk, exercise class, or home workout. It will make physical activity more sociable, which will increase your motivation and commitment.
Vary Your Exercises
Performing the same exercises day after day will become monotonous, which might encourage you to choose the sofa over physical activity. Keep exercise fun by varying workouts. Write a list of enjoyable activities that will get your body moving, such as gardening, dancing, or yoga. You can then create a workout schedule featuring the exercises to prevent boredom and support your physical and mental health as you grow older. If you struggle with motivation, it might be a sign you need to incorporate a new exercise into your routine.
Reward Yourself for Regular Exercise
Exercise can feel hard as you grow older, as you are more likely to suffer from tiredness, joint pain, or health issues. Rewarding yourself for hitting various fitness goals could help you remain on track. So, treat yourself to a massage, a new outfit, or a fun day out after hitting a fitness goal.
