A recent report from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) highlighted the lack of physical activity for the over-50s, emphasizing the link between chronic illness and inactivity.
Neglecting physical exercise can leave you feeling more fatigued and weak in your senior years, meaning you might not have the energy to enjoy the fulfilling retirement in Ridgeland, MS, that you planned. In this guide, we’ll help you turn the corner with a list of physical wellness activities that are perfect for seniors.
Nature Walks
Walking outdoors on a nature trail can be exhilarating, and it’s often a physical activity that helps calm the mind as well.
If you are worried about your mobility, you don’t have to opt for a strenuous hike in a hilly area. Instead, choose a nearby park with flat, paved pathways that are suitable for older people using walking aids.
Walking helps improve cardiovascular health, and it keeps your leg muscles strong. It can also help you maintain balance, which can be a concern for some seniors.
If you prefer your exercise routine to be a sociable occasion, consider joining an organized group walk. It’s a chance to catch up with friends and get some exercise at the same time.
Aging Mobility Support: Water Aerobics
Any activity in the water is ideal as you get older, as it takes some of the strain off your joints and back. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as arthritis.
With the buoyancy of the water, you are free to get the most from the exercise. You could try a stretching routine to improve flexibility, or incorporate aerobic movements to enhance your cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.
It’s always a good idea to try this activity as an instructor-led class, as they will be able to show you the best routine that will maximize your fitness results while protecting your body. An instructor-led class also makes it more of a social occasion and a chance to forge friendships with other seniors.
Tai Chi
The gentle, flowing motion of tai chi has been used for centuries as a way to achieve calm, balance, and strength in the body. It’s the ideal activity for seniors who want an exercise with lots of benefits but low impact, even if it’s only for a few minutes each morning.
One of the reasons tai chi can leave you feeling more centered and well is that it focuses on deep breathing. That helps your heart, lowers your stress levels, and helps you stay focused.
It’s also an excellent physical activity to try outdoors in nearby nature spots in Ridgeland or the landscaped grounds of our senior living community.
Independent Living Wellness and Gardening
Gardening is an excuse to get out in nature and stay active, without it feeling like a formal exercise routine.Plus, growing a beautiful garden of flowers and shrubs gives you a sense of achievement.
Tasks like digging and planting flowers can be therapeutic, and the connection to nature can help you feel calm and focused.
If you are in a senior living community, consider joining a gardening club. You can work on a garden creation together and use it as an opportunity to socialize.
Senior Fitness Routines: Chair Yoga
Standing in a group of people to exercise can feel like too much of a challenge if you have mobility or balance issues. However, that shouldn’t deter you from exercising.
Look for an adapted, senior-friendly class, such as chair yoga or chair aerobics.These routines allow you to sit throughout, helping you remain stable as you go through a routine of stretches, light weights, or resistance bands. It can help improve muscle strength, build tone in the body, and enhance flexibility.
You can try this type of activity in your private senior living apartment if you have some YouTube videos to follow or in an in-person group setting with a class instructor.
Dance Classes
For a fun and social activity that can lift the spirits and help keep you in shape, try dancing. There are lots of styles of dance workouts or classes that help move the body, including:
- Zumba
- Line dancing
- Ballroom
All these activities keep you active, improve your balance, and enhance your coordination skills.Dancing is surprisingly strenuous, so you may find you get out of breath, which means you are also improving your cardiovascular health.
Movement via dance can be fun and safe when led by an instructor who specializes in senior classes. Find one near you in Ridgeland, MS, or within your senior living community.
Healthy Aging in MS: Stretching Exercises
You don’t need to attend a formal exercise class to get the benefits of physical activity. You can try some simple stretching exercises at home each morning, and these have a surprisingly high number of benefits.
A morning stretch can help you maintain your muscles, improve your posture, and enhance your balance. Making this part of your morning routine can help you feel more energized for the day ahead.
Active Lifestyle for Seniors: Golf
A gentle walk around a golf course provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. Plus, connecting with nature can help lower stress levels.
One of the reasons many seniors love golf, however, is the social benefits it offers. Using this gentle exercise as an opportunity to catch up with a friend can be good for the mind and body. Working on your golfing technique can also help sharpen your cognitive skills.
Physical Wellness Activities for Retirement
Retiring doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to slow down. Instead of your busy 9-to-5, it’s an opportunity to put your well-being first. Use these physical wellness activities as your starting point.
Moving to a senior living community can help you achieve your wellness goals and be part of an active, like-minded group of older adults.
At Summerhouse Beau Ridge, we offer a warm, compassionate team, a wide selection of on-site activities, and proximity to many lively amenities and attractions in Jackson. Explore our community to find out if we are the perfect fit for you.
