Staying active is critical to support our overall health and quality of life as we age. Unfortunately, exercising may seem like a daunting process for some older adults as they face issues like medical problems, injury, and mobility concerns. However, it is not impossible for older adults to start enjoying the different benefits that exercising has to offer. If you are just starting out, here are several exercises for older adults that you can try out.
Start Slow
Regardless of age, it is common for anyone who is just starting out with something new to get carried away. Rushing into something excessively may cause more harm than good especially for the older generation. When our body is used to being sedentary, it needs time to adapt to movement. When we over-exercise, we may strain our bodies and cause injury to our joints and other body parts. Ultimately, we may experience burnout which can lead to a further deterioration in health.
Do It Regularly
Once we have started exercising, we need to do it on a regular basis. Committing to a regular exercise routine offers plenty of benefits such as an increase in energy levels, better sleep, improved moods, weight control, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. It takes just 30 minutes of walking every day to enjoy significant benefits. If you find it hard to commit to 30 minutes of exercising each day, it is perfectly fine to start slow. Stay within your physical limits to avoid overexerting your body.
Stretching
Stretching is the most critical component of every exercise routine. Before starting on any type of exercise, always remember to stretch. Stretching can also improve our flexibility so we can enjoy more freedom of movement which is an important factor for older adults. There are plenty of simple stretching exercises that are fit for older adults to try in the comfort of their homes.
Three Simple Exercises
Balance and strength are effective in helping older adults to improve their mobility. Start by doing these three simple exercises which are designed to improve mobility among the older generation:
- Light Weights
Muscle strength is invaluable in helping to preserve a good quality of life in older adults. It is recommended for older adults to start with light weights that are just one to two pounds before gradually increasing the number of weights used. Muscle training should be done at least two times a week for approximately 30 minutes each time.
- Water Aerobics
Aquatic exercises offer a series of benefits for the health of older adults. These exercises do not strain the muscles, bones, or joints and are safe for older adults. There are plenty of senior living communities that offer various health and wellness programs that include aquatic exercises.
- Yoga
Yoga is known to offer benefits for both our mental and physical health. It can combat issues like stress and anxiety while helping to relieve pain. Older adults who regularly do yoga, can expect to better manage their arthritis while uplifting their moods.