Where quality of life is concerned you can’t do much better than looking after your body. We’ve each been given an incredibly complex machine to pilot, and there’s not much hope of a replacement. Fortunately taking care of it is relatively simple, so long as we have a mind to do so.
Working out is one of the more effective ways to stay in shape and retain mobility, but not all exercises are well-suited for the elderly. That’s why low-impact exercises for seniors are particularly beneficial, especially for mobility. Read on to discover some ideal senior health tips and why they’re so effective!
Walking
When it comes to gentle exercises for elderly people, walking is the gold standard. It requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. In terms of an easily accessible workout, walking is king.
There are a few ways to make the most out of walking. Going outside for a daily stroll helps seniors connect with nature, or if they’re in a residential area, at least get some fresh air. Sunlight is also an important factor in maintaining good physical and mental health.
Walking is a firm favorite among seniors who prefer not to work out alone. Going for a stroll with friends is a perfect opportunity for a lengthy discussion, or to catch up on some gossip. Walking is a low-impact workout, but intensity can easily be dialed up by increasing the pace if desired.
Tai Chi
Tai chi, despite hailing from distant China, is gaining in popularity with people of all ages. This is mostly due to its social aspect, and undeniable health benefits. Tai Chi is a discipline where movements are learned one by one before being made in controlled succession.
When done correctly, each pose promotes strength and balance due to the impressive array of disparate movements. Each pose is designed to cover a specific range of motion or to stretch muscles that might not otherwise see much use. If balance is a concern, Tai Chi is one of the best mobility exercises for seniors to regain some confidence and mobility.
Classes designed specifically with seniors in mind are often packed with budding martial artists, proving that age is just a number and health is for everyone!
Strength Training
The idea that strength training is only for the youth is outdated. While Grandpa most likely won’t be squatting 300 lbs any time soon, that doesn’t mean lifting appropriate weights isn’t beneficial. So long as it’s done with supervision, weight lifting is among the most effective methods for improving strength, balance, and mobility.
The old saying of “Use it or lose it” comes into play here. While it’s true that any exercise is beneficial for bodily maintenance, no other method activates the central nervous system quite like the full body motion of compound lifts.
Motions that require many muscles to be used in tandem are especially beneficial. Movements such as the squat, overhead press, and deadlift excite the central nervous system into producing more growth factors than it would otherwise. This means the muscles used throughout the motion will strengthen faster, promoting balance and general ability as a whole.
Swimming and Water Aerobics
There’s something about visiting the swimming pool that puts a childlike smile on our faces, and it doesn’t change with age. Swimming as an exercise is particularly good because it’s fun and doesn’t put too much strain on joints and muscles. If you’ve ever gone for a swim after a long break, you’ll know just how good a workout it was by your complaining muscles in the morning.
Swimming is another great way to introduce movements and ranges of motion we don’t typically use in our day-to-day lives. Paddling around uses a lot of energy in a short amount of time, too, so seniors don’t have to spend much time in the pool to get a thorough workout.
Local pools usually have a range of classes to choose from, and there’s usually one or two specifically for seniors. If no classes are available and your senior doesn’t mind the noise and getting splashed, there’s no reason not to join the fray of general swimming. In fact, some seniors are sure to prefer it!
Chair Exercise
While swimming and Tai Chi are both darlings of the exercise world, they’re not well suited to everyone. Seniors in particular might lack the stamina or balance to start with either. In these cases, starting with chair exercises is a great alternative.
Rather than having to stand, the idea is to get your blood pumping while sitting down. This involves specific movements designed to maximize range of motion without risking a fall. If you know a senior who would like to improve their mobility but would struggle with the options already mentioned, chair exercises might be just the ticket.
Stretching
The addition of stretching into the routine of a senior does wonders. All it takes is 15 to 20 minutes of gentle stretching a day to see considerable improvements. Taking the time to stretch before exercising is important, but it can also serve as a mobility exercise all on its own.
The improved flexibility and range of motion gained from routine stretching helps prevent injury in a fall, and physical ability in general. It can also be a meditative practice that helps to improve mental health through an improved connection to the body. Sometimes all it takes is a little patience to see results, and stretching can make all the difference when it comes to mobility.
Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors
It doesn’t matter what age you are, taking your physical wellbeing into account benefits everyone. It’s never too late to make a positive change, and exercise is undoubtedly one of the best. Senior fitness counts for a lot when it comes to quality of life, especially when the workout itself is enjoyable.
At GreenTree At Westwood Independent Senior Living, we make sure there are always fun-filled activities and events to look forward to. These include a range of opportunities for low-impact exercises for seniors who feel like limbering up a little.
If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d love to hear from you!
