Living a healthy lifestyle—it’s a crucial part of life. Regular exercise is key for seniors looking to improve their physical health, but it can also sometimes be repetitive to do the same exercises over and over again. Supporting our loved ones should always be a priority, so next time your loved one is thinking about exercise, why not recommend something a little more fun?
For low-impact exercises, water aerobics or walking can offer an excellent option, while strength training and other high-impact exercises can bring plenty of benefits. Don’t forget about balance exercises; they’re more important than most people think!
Why Is Physical Exercise Important for Seniors?
Staying active is vital at any age, but for seniors, it’s more important than ever. It’s not about building muscle or reaching a certain number on the scale; exercise offers a wealth of benefits that can improve a senior’s everyday life.
Regular exercise is incredible for:
- Improving mobility and flexibility
- Increasing strength
- Improving mood
- Promoting healthier sleep
- Boosting their immune system
It even helps support better brain health, making exercise an essential part of your loved one’s life. The CDC recommends that seniors over the age of 65 partake in at least 150 minutes of low-to-moderate-intensity activity every week or 75 minutes of moderate-to-high-impact activity. Balance exercises are crucial as well, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises.
Following these guidelines is a key part of staying healthy. But who says exercise needs to be boring? There are plenty of fun exercises for seniors designed to make it much more stimulating.
Low-Impact Senior-Friendly Exercises
Low-impact exercises are perfect for seniors. These exercises focus on providing the benefits of physical movement while reducing stress on the joints.
Ideally, low-impact places are the place to start for seniors looking to improve their physical health. Some fun options include:
- A simple walk in the park, which can help boost mood and provide a change of scenery.
- Water aerobics, which reduces weight on the joints to make exercise more accessible
- Pilates, to boost core strength and flexibility
- Dancing, which can be an excellent way to improve coordination
- Resistance band exercises, which help build muscle strength
- Gardening, which can have plenty of other benefits for seniors
- Outdoor sports, like bowling and pickleball
These can all be an excellent addition to an exercise routine, offering a low-impact way for your loved one to stay healthy.
High-Impact Senior-Friendly Exercises
High-impact exercises sound more daunting than they are. These exercises are a little more intense than regular low-impact exercises but can be incredible for boosting strength, muscle, cardiovascular health, and more.
Fortunately, these exercises can also easily be adapted to be much safer for seniors. So when your loved one is planning their exercise routine, try recommending:
- Chair aerobics, which helps get your loved one’s heart rate up while remaining seated
- Zumba, an energetic dance workout that can easily be modified for any fitness level
- Stationary biking, which is an incredible way to get a good workout without too much strain
- Jumping jacks, which can be done at any place while getting the blood flowing
- Marching in place, which can help boost cardiovascular health
- Lifting weights, which is excellent for strengthening the muscles
All of these can easily be adapted to meet your loved one’s physical abilities. It’s important to note that high-impact exercises should always be started slowly; make sure your loved one doesn’t push themselves too hard. Exercise should always be safe!
Balance Exercises for Seniors
Balance exercises are more important than most people think. These exercises help your loved one maintain their independence by:
- Improving stability and coordination
- Reducing the risk of falls
- Strengthening core muscles
- Enhancing overall flexibility
- Supporting better posture
Balance exercises should be performed at least 2 times a week to help your loved one stay mobile and independent.
Some simple exercises include:
- The heel-toe walk: Step forward by placing the heel of one foot against the toes of the other foot.
- Single-leg stands: Hold onto a sturdy chair and lift one foot off the ground, balancing on the other leg for as long as you can. Switch legs and repeat for a quick and effective exercise.
- Side leg raises: Stand tall and hold onto a countertop or chair for support. Slowly lift one leg out to the side, keeping it straight, then lower it back down.
- Tai Chi: This gentle martial art is all about slow, controlled movements that promote balance and coordination. It’s also an amazing way to relax and connect mind and body while enjoying a bit of fresh air.
These exercises are super simple and can be done in short bursts to help improve balance. They can also easily be performed in groups so your loved one can spend time with others nearby, making them an easily accessible and effective form of exercise.
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
No matter your loved one’s passions or interests, there are plenty of different exercises that can make every day a little more fun. It’s crucial to support our senior loved ones every day, and exercise is just one piece of that puzzle. A proper community is key to making sure your loved one feels supported in all their endeavors.
At Inspired Living at Lakewood Ranch, we know that every person is unique, and we’re excited to show your loved one how much we care. Schedule a tour with our community today!
