Staying healthy through exercise doesn’t have to mean running, biking, hiking, or other intense activities. Something as simple as a daily walk with a friend or loved one can provide the perfect amount of exercise for an older adult, without putting too much undue stress on your body. Ebenezer Senior Living has compiled a list of some of these low-intensity, body-gentle activities for seniors that you can try out the next time you’re looking to get moving.
Walking
To start as simply as possible, walking is one of the best and easiest ways to get moving at any age and during any season. You can set your own pace, spend time with a friend or family member, or even run an errand if you live close enough to a store. However, just because walking is low-intensity doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Make sure to bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and let someone know where you’ll be. It’s always safer to walk with a companion as well.
Motion-Centered Video Games
Surprisingly, a large percentage of seniors have reported that they enjoy playing video games. Games such as Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and 1-2 Switch allow and encourage you to move and get active while playing, and they’re often easy to set up and use, especially if you have some assistance from a younger friend, family member, or neighbor. That same helper can later join in for some competitive virtual bowling or baseball. Several senior living communities also have video game consoles on hand for game nights.
Yoga
You might not think you’re cut out for yoga, what with its complicated poses and intense stretching, but many yoga programs are actually tailored for older adults and feature slower, body-gentle poses. You can find several of these on YouTube, or look up some easier poses and create your own routine. All you need is a comfy mat to lay out on your floor, and you’re good to go.
Indoor Swimming
Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you have to give up on the pool. Find a local gym or community center with an indoor pool. Lap swimming, treading water, and water aerobics classes are all great ways to exercise without putting undue stress on your joints. Some water aerobics classes are designed mainly around seniors, making them a great way to both stay active and meet new friends.
We hope we were able to give you some good starting points for ways to stay active during the cooler months. At Ebenezer, we want you to maintain your individuality and explore your own identity. Check out our Person-Centered Care page for more information.
