Community Corner
Staying Active as You Age
Aging does not mean slowing down but embracing new opportunities, experiences, and friendships.
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Aging is often linked to decreased activity, but that doesn’t mean you should surrender to being inactive. Staying physically active is essential for maintaining your independence. Activity doesn’t have to involve intense workouts; it simply means you need to keep your body moving.
Regular movement helps maintain muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance, contributing to fall prevention, joint health, and overall mobility. Exercise is also beneficial for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
As you get older, adapting your exercises to your current abilities and interests while finding a balance of movement and recovery can keep you excited about moving more. Engaging in bodyweight exercises, low-impact activities, and stretching routines can help you maintain independence and continue doing the activities you enjoy.
Safe and Effective Exercises for Seniors
Some great ways for you to stay active include:
- Walking: A study by Preventive Medicine suggests that between 7,000 – 9,000 steps a day is ideal for staying healthy. It’s low-impact and can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Try setting a daily step goal or walking with a friend to stay motivated.
- Weights: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests incorporating exercise bands or light hand weights into your routine at least 2 times a week. Strength training helps to maintain muscle tone and bone density, reducing the risk of falls. If you don’t have access to bands or weights, try bodyweight exercises such as:
- Chair squats
- Wall push-ups
- Seated leg lifts
- Heel raises
- Arm circles
- Stretching and yoga improve flexibility, posture, and joint health. Gentle yoga poses, including chair yoga, are excellent options as we age.
- Group Fitness and Social Exercise: While individual exercises are beneficial, participating in group fitness classes can offer additional motivation, structure, and social connection. Many senior communities, such as Victorian Village, offer instructor-led balance & fall prevention classes, Wii Bowling competitions, and interactive games.
Creative Activities to Stay Active
- Walking with a Twist: If you think walking a path seems boring, try additional activities like birdwatching, photography, or visiting your local farmers' market.
- Gardening: This not only engages your muscles but also allows you to enjoy fresh air and relax.
- Playing with Grandkids or Pets: This is fun and interactive way to lift your spirits while staying active.
- Dancing: Turn on some music and move to the beat! Plus, you can sing along.
Regular participation in these activities improves strength, cardiovascular health, and energy levels, helping you stay mobile and independent for longer in your senior years.
Remember: breathe properly during these exercises and always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Incorporating movement into daily life does not have to be strenuous or time-consuming. Every movement contributes to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
At Victorian Village, we understand the importance of staying active, engaged, and connected at every stage of life. Our community provides various fitness programs, social events, and enrichment activities that help residents maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With amenities that meet your needs (and wants), and social opportunities and activities that allow you to explore new hobbies or lifelong interests, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Victorian Village.
Aging does not mean slowing down but embracing new opportunities, experiences, and friendships. Staying active is the key to maintaining health, happiness, and independence for years.
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