Do you know that seniors with good physical health and who regularly engage in physical activities are less prone to depression and diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? With depression affecting fifteen out of every hundred American adults aged 65 and over, we must take appropriate measures to care for both our physical and mental health.
Exercising in nature can bring about many health benefits. While taking the steps to lead a more active lifestyle should be your goal, you must always follow guidelines on safety for nature-based activities. This will help you remain safe when you are outdoors.
Preparation Tips
Before heading outdoors, inform your family or friends of your whereabouts and the time you are expected to return so that they would be able to assist you in case of an emergency. Bring along your identification, a small amount of cash, and your cell phone when you leave your home.
When you’re outside, remain vigilant, especially when crossing the road, and stick to well-lit areas. Wear brightly colored clothing to stay visible to others and carry a flashlight at night. Wear footwear with strong and sturdy under-soles to ensure that you have proper foot support.
Bicycle Safety Tips
Riding a bicycle is a fun way for you to remain physically active. However, be sure to pay heed to bicycle safety and take the necessary measures to ensure your physical well-being. Always wear a helmet that has the correct fit and bright clothing to ensure that you remain visible to motorists and pedestrians around you. Check your brakes regularly and ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Always ride your bicycle in the same direction as traffic and stop at intersections before crossing the street. Signal before making turns and be careful when passing parked vehicles as drivers may open their car doors suddenly.
Tips for Exercising in Hot and Cold Weather
When exercising outdoors during the summer and winter seasons, you should take precautions to protect yourself from the elements. Overexposure to heat can result in hyperthermia, causing heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Check the weather report before leaving and consider exercising indoors instead if the heat or humidity is dangerously high. Drink plenty of fluids such as water and isotonic drinks, and avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, or dress in layers to ensure that you can remove your clothing when necessary to cool yourself down or protect yourself from the heat.
If you are exercising outdoors in winter, do some warm-up exercises first before leaving and wear the right layers of clothing to protect yourself from the elements. Also, remember to keep an eye out for snow and icy sidewalks.
Nature-Based Activities in Our Active Independent Living Community
If you are thinking about moving to active independent living in Lake Worth, FL, do not hesitate to schedule a tour and visit our retirement community! Our senior living programs ensure that you can remain physically active and enjoy a fulfilling, fuss-free lifestyle packed with many leisurely, nature-based activities. Contact us now to learn more about what we have to offer!