Exercise Tips for Seniors

It’s never too late to begin enjoying the benefits of physical exercise. In fact, older adults who have experienced a decline in physical activity due to certain age-related disorders may benefit most of all. Physical fitness doesn’t have to mean hours of strenuous work at the gym. For most people it’s simply about developing a healthier lifestyle; one that includes more physical activity and better nutritional choices. Let’s take a closer look at the positive effects of exercise.

Benefits

A regular exercise routine does far more than just help us look younger and build muscle; it is also good for our mental health, lowering our risk of disease, and maintaining our independence as we grow older. Senior citizens who incorporate a fitness plan into their daily lives will not only improve their bone density and muscle mass, but will also greatly improve their immune system, blood pressure, and heart-health. Daily exercise can even help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

Other added benefits include better sleep, greater self-confidence, and even improved memory. On a physical level, what we’re looking to improve is strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Even those who are chair-bound can participate in exercises that will enhance their range of motion and improve their overall quality of life. Below is a list of popular exercises for seniors.

Walking

Walking is a great low-impact exercise that is simple and fun to do. Choose a good pair of walking shoes with plenty of cushion and support. Be mindful of your posture, and breathe deep into your lungs. This will do wonders for delivering oxygen throughout your entire body and increasing your blood flow. Take a walk in nature to help relieve stress. Create a goal of around 30 minutes or more a few days a week, and be sure to stretch those leg muscles when you return.

Swimming

Swimming is another exercise that is easy on your joints and bones, and therefore lowers the risk of injury. Aside from the relaxing sensation of floating in water, you’ll drastically improve strength, endurance, and range of motion. Keep it fun by learning new strokes. You will soon discover that this gentle activity can be a total-body workout.

Yoga/chair yoga

Yoga is so much more than impossible-looking poses and strange chants. The benefits include increased strength and muscle tone, along with greater balance and stress relief. Even those confined to a chair can benefit from this harmony of stretching and strength-training. Learn yogic breathing to improve your lung function, ease digestion, and remove harmful toxins from your body. Regardless of your age or physical condition, there is a yoga program that is suitable for you.  Here in Southern Nevada, you can find a helpful program through Henderson's Senior Center or at Las Vegas's newly remodeled Derfelt Senior Center.

Contact Visiting Angels

By improving our fitness, we can improve our quality of life and continue doing the things we enjoy well into our golden-years. If you or an aging loved-one is in need of support, contact Visiting Angels by calling 702-407-1100. Our professional aides will be more than happy to assist you in developing a personalized fitness routine