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Six stay healthy activities for seniors
The benefits of an active lifestyle for seniors are well documented, from helping to control and combat physical conditions, to elevating moods and overall happiness. This doesn’t just mean going for a jog or taking a water aerobics class. Now there are many different ways for older adults to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle, and these six activities are just a few of the many fun ways seniors today can stay active and healthy.
Pickleball
If you’re looking to work up a sweat without the wear and tear on your joints, pickleball is the new, popular go-to activity. For the uninitiated, pickleball is a sport similar to tennis, but is played on a smaller court and with a lighter ball and paddle. The sport has been booming recently with older adults, with many local senior centers and gyms now offering the sport. (Be sure to check out the story on Senior Centers in this issue for more activities.) The sport is also a great social activity as it requires four players for a game, making it a great way to meet up with others and have fun while working up a sweat.
Tai-Chi
The ancient Chinese martial art form is centered on slow, flowing movements, making it a perfect exercise option for older adults. For centuries, seniors in China have used Tai Chi as a ritual form of exercise each morning. Practicing Tai Chi regularly is known to enhance a senior’s overall health and fitness, and can also help produce a better sense of balance and strength.
children and grandchildren, making it fun for the entire family.
Dancing
Whether it’s a more traditional ballroom dancing or something a little spicier like Salsa, the benefits of dancing for older adults are as numerous as the variations of dance steps. Not only is it an excellent cardiovascular exercise, it improves strength and balance too. Of course it’s a great way to meet people. Plus, according to recent studies, seniors who participated in
a two-week dance class experienced reductions in their levels of stress
and anxiety.
Chair Aerobics
For those aging in-home, or with reduced mobility, sports or a workout at the gym may be difficult. If this is the case, chair aerobics may be the answer. Chair aerobics offer the same benefits as traditional cardio activities with exercises done while sitting. These exercises engage your arms, legs and other areas of your body while getting your heart pumping. Many chair aerobics lessons can be found online, on streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku or on-Demand. There are fitness-specific apps for tablets and mobile phones too.
Nintendo WiiTM
The old notion that video games are for couch potatoes is a thing of the past thanks to systems like the Nintendo Wii. This system offers numerous games and activities that are fun. Games like Wii bowling or Wii tennis are great alternative options for
Bowling
If the weather is not co-operating, the bowling alley is a great place for older adults looking to stay active. When done regularly, bowling is an activity that can strengthen muscles and balance. In addition to the physical benefits, it’s also a great social pastime for seniors that choose to enter a league or play on a team. Bowling is also
an activity that spans generations, something that can be done with
heart healthy exercise during the winter months. They are also a great opportunity for older adults to play with their younger family members at get-togethers and visits.
If you or a senior in your life
is looking for assistance in staying active, SameAddress offers numerous in-home services that can help. Feel free to give us a call today at 1-866-SENIOR-1 (866-736-4671) or visit us at www.sameaddress.com.