If you are one of the 46 million baby boomers today in America, do you think you get enough exercise? Chances are that many of you don’t. While we may not wish to think about getting older, to help our golden years be as happy, long and healthy as possible, it’s never too late to make some life changes and prepare for what’s ahead.
In fact, studies show senior-focused fitness programs help to improve quality of life. Research indicates regular exercise encourages seniors to have a more positive outlook.
Staying active helps to improve balance, makes us stronger and is good for our heart. It can also help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age. Even for those seniors with limited mobility, there are still muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise that they can do.
Assisted living facilities help seniors to keep fit
Senior assisted living facilities do more for seniors than just simply helping with medication and providing a safe community to live in. Most facilities recognize the enormous benefits that exercise offers to older adults and offer some form of exercise program to their residents.
Many communities provide aerobics classes, yoga, tai chi and even high-intensity training. Often, personal trainers come into the facility and work with residents on their fitness program, setting achievable goals for them to work towards.
Exercises you can fit into your day
Wherever you might be living, getting at least 30 minutes exercise a day is a great way to feel healthier and stronger and can be easy to fit into your daily routine, whether it be a brisk walk, water aerobics, riding your bike, playing tennis or even just mowing the grass.
You can also do some muscle-strengthening exercises a couple of times a week, using objects as simple as soup cans!
From lifting weights, doing push-ups and sits ups to yoga or even some heavy gardening can all get your major muscle groups working. You don’t have to worry about doing it all at once. You can easily break it down into smaller chunks of just 10 minutes each time.
The changing needs of seniors
As an older adult, you will find that your needs continue to change as you get older. This isn’t something to worry about, but will require you to look ahead and think about what you can do now, to help yourself in the future.
Getting older inevitably sees your health changing, however active you have been throughout your life. You also might require different medications, you aren’t as mobile as you once were, and perhaps you get a little confused now and again. These changes can begin to have a significant impact on how you are able to care for yourself and whether your current living arrangements are right for you.
This doesn’t automatically mean that you should move out of home into a living facility, but it might be worth knowing what options are available in your area, should the time come. Regardless of whether you stay in your home or move to a supported facility, staying active will help you continue to be able to do the things you love.
Tags: aging, anti-aging, exercise, fitness, health, senior fitness, senior health, senior living, seniors
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