Attention To Health And Fitness Helps Seniors Age Gracefully
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Recent studies have shown what people have known through common sense for a long time. Seniors who stay active, eat well and take good care of themselves stay more flexible and enjoy better health and a better overall quality of life. Furthermore, it should come as no surprise that seniors who engage in activities they enjoy are much more likely to keep up with their health and fitness routines. There is really no limit to the activities seniors can enjoy to keep healthy and strong and stay active. Here are just a few!
Seniors Should Pay Close Attention To Cardiovascular Health
A good cardiovascular workout uses the large muscle groups of the body in a steady and rhythmic manner for a fairly lengthy period of time. This builds strength and endurance, keeps the heart strong and improves circulation. Cardio workouts are also a lot of fun and can include walking, hiking, dancing, cycling, swimming and other active pursuits.
Seniors who enjoy cardio activities two or three times a week can avoid problems such as shortness of breath. Furthermore, active seniors can be more active thanks to the boost in energy cardiovascular exercise provides. More strength and energy means more independence, and that's always a good thing.
Strength Is Not Just For The Young
It's smart for seniors to stay strong as they age. Heavy weightlifting isn't necessary. Seniors can build up a surprising amount of strength with light workouts using elastic bands, free weights or even resistance provided by body weight or by pursuing disciplines such as Hatha Yoga.
Staying strong and building up some muscle mass helps seniors have strong bones. It also improves balance. The combination of better balance and stronger bones means fewer falls and fewer injuries. The combination of cardiovascular training and power training can help seniors perform necessary tasks such as carrying groceries, opening stubborn containers, crossing streets and so on with ease and grace. Being strong is a great way to stay independent!
Staying Flexible Reduces Pain & Injuries
Seniors who practice Yoga and/or Pilates, go swimming or simply engage in stretching activities enjoy greater flexibility and reduced joint pain. Stretching improves muscle strength and support around the joints and helps prevent inflammation and injuries. Staying flexible helps seniors maintain full range of motion to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, tying shoes, washing hair and bathing and more effortlessly.
Maintain Good Balance To Avoid Injury & Stay Independent
Yoga also helps seniors maintain a good sense of balance to avoid falls and enhance exercise ability and enjoyment of life. Other activities that help with balance include Tai Chi and simple posture exercises. Involvement in these activities also helps seniors maintain good posture throughout life.
Enjoyable Activities Add Spice & Health To Later Life
It can be fun to sign up for exercise classes and/or join clubs and groups for exercise, socializing and activities, but seniors who prefer to exercise alone or with a friend can reap many benefits from walking. It's an excellent way to begin and exercise program and a complete exercise in and of itself. Seniors can walk outdoors, in malls or just about anywhere. A comfortable pair of shoes is all that's needed.
Seniors who do enjoy joining classes and groups usually have quite a few to choose from. Most local senior centers have dance and exercise classes for seniors that provide wonderful opportunities for exercise.
Swimming, water sports and water aerobics can be exciting and energizing while providing a wonderful workout. Water workouts are perfect for seniors (especially those who are overweight) because the water helps support the body and reduces pressure, strain and stress on the joints.
Yoga can be performed successfully by anyone. It consists of an array of poses that stretch and strengthen the body. Controlled breathing is an important aspect of yoga, and it strengthens the lungs and oxygenates the body. Yoga practice can be modified to be suitable for people of any level of ability.
Seniors who are up for a little more challenge and want to work on strength and balance can take courses in Qi Gong and/or Tai Chi. These gentle martial arts have been practiced by seniors in China for centuries.
Maintaining health and fitness in the senior years is a wonderful way for older people to stay independent and enjoy life. There are many affordable or free choices in fitness activities for seniors. Every moment an older person spends maintaining balance, strength, flexibility and good health increases both longevity and quality of life.
Copyright:SuzanneBennett:December 18, 2014