Physical activity is an important component of overall health. Exercise helps increase lean body mass, prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease, improve balance, and improve mental health and cognition. It also fosters socialization with others, helping overcome boredom and isolation.
As individuals age, they may not be able to participate in activities they previously enjoyed, but they don’t have to resign themselves to sedentary lifestyles. There are many entertaining ways to remain physically active that accommodate limitations a person may have. Explore these methods for staying active.
Explore senior center offerings. Community senior centers often provide a vast array of activities, including physical activities. Hikes, walking tours, dances, and other activities are ways to get out and about while meeting fitness goals.
Garden or do yard work. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotions says adults should get 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Raking leaves, mowing the lawn, digging in flower beds, and trimming bushes are great ways to be active.
Play games with grandchildren. Little kids often inspire older adults to be more active. Take infants or toddlers for walks or push them in strollers. Attach a child seat or towing carriage to a bicycle and ride around the neighborhood. Play games that require movement, such as hide-and-seek or Marco Polo in the pool. If it’s snowing, have a snowball fight or make a snowman in the yard.
Take up a new hobby. Find hobbies that incorporate physical activity, such as trying Zumba™ or try Pickleball, which is a mix of tennis, racquetball, and badminton that caters to all ages.
Physical activity is important at any age. Seniors can explore fun ways to stay in shape and be active to reap all the benefits of exercise.
