Exercising is a key part of living a healthy lifestyle. There are so many benefits associated with exercise, and taking advantage of those benefits becomes even more essential as we get older. No matter your age, the best exercise for you is the one that you enjoy.
There will always be reasons that make you hesitate to stay active, whether it’s health issues, the fear of falling, or pain. However, as you age, an active lifestyle becomes more important than ever for your health. Finding an activity that you can do comfortably and safely may be a process of trial and error, but the benefits of exercise for older adults make it worth the trouble.
Physical Fitness for Older Adults
For older adults, it’s essential to maintain a quality of life outside of the gym. To do that, focus on specific workouts designed to help you stay mobile, build strength, and improve balance. However, it is highly recommended to check with your doctor before starting a new fitness routine or program.
Here are a few simple exercises to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle:
Yoga
Yoga is perfect for those who want to build up their muscle strength, aerobic fitness, core stability, and total-body mobility.
Swimming
Swimming is a great way to increase your cardiovascular fitness and strengthen your muscles at the same time! This also puts little to no stress on your bones and joints.
Cycling
Cycling is a non-impact activity that helps build up your muscle strength, quadriceps, and hamstrings. This exercise is very beneficial for the heart and lungs.
Walking
Walking is known as one of the best forms of exercise for older adults. It requires balance, but over time, it can be very helpful and effective for those who use a cane or walker.
Dancing
Continuous dancing improves balance, elevates the heart rate, strengthens your muscles, and can help with your mental health!
Resistance Band Workouts
Depending on the type of resistance band workout, this exercise can strengthen your muscles and improve your posture. The best part of this workout is that you can do it at home or anywhere else you’d like!
Pilates
This exercise emphasizes breathing, alignment, concentration, and core strength. Pilates will improve balance, help develop core strength, and increase flexibility.
Strength Training
Depending on the type of strength training you do, this exercise can help you manage your weight by contributing to a higher metabolism and enhanced glucose control.
Benefits of Fitness for Older Adults
The physical health benefits of exercise for seniors are plentiful. There aren’t many downsides to exercising, especially as you get older. Some of the biggest and best benefits of exercising include the following:
- Helps prevent diseases
- Enhances your mobility, flexibility, and even balance
- Increases metabolism and builds muscle
- Improves cognitive, immune, and digestive function
- Improves mental health
Exercising plays a key role in living a healthy lifestyle, and this is especially true for those over the age of 65. However, it is important to have a conversation with your doctor before starting a new fitness activity, especially if you have a preexisting condition.
At The Good Shepherd Community, we strive to ensure all our residents are cared for, happy, and healthy. If you would like to learn more about our services and what we do here at Good Shepherd, then don’t be afraid to reach out!