Tips For Staying Active For Seniors and Older Adults

As we get older and move closer to our senior years, certain aspects of our health and lifestyle begin to change. For instance, you may find that you are no longer as active as you used to be, or that certain household tasks that were once simple and fast now require a lot more time to complete. These changes are just common side effects that come with the aging process.

Fortunately, there are many lifestyle and exercise changes that you can incorporate into your day-to-day life to help stay healthy and keep active in your senior years. In fact, adding many of these tips into your daily routine can even lead to significant overall health benefits.

For instance, in a 2008 study by the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers found evidence that elderly people in the U.S. who have an active life may have a slower rate of memory decline. Exercise and social activity in seniors also greatly reduces or even eliminates loneliness or depression, something that affects more secluded people.

So, how can you be sure to reap the many benefits that come along with regular exercise and fitness activities well into your golden years? We have put together some basic tips and advice on staying active as a senior and keeping your heart healthy and happy:

Meet With Your Doctor

Before beginning any kind of rigorous exercise or nutrition in you senior years, you should always first meet with your doctor and undergo a routine physical examination in order to make sure that it is safe for you to start a new fitness routine. Your doctor can also suggest certain exercises or activities that may be best for your personal goals, and can give you tips on avoiding injury and having a safe workout.

Schedule Time For Exercise In Your Day

It can be easy to put off and exercise if it is particularly difficult or challenging for you. Therefore, be sure to schedule it into your daily routine, just as you would dinner or chores, in order to make sure that you are working out for the full amount of time that you need to get your heart pumping and achieve the benefits you want. If you are having trouble with longer workouts in the beginning, you can always start slow and gradually increase your time as you become more comfortable.

Get A Partner

Whenever you turn a difficult task into a social activity, it always becomes much easier and more appealing. Luckily, exercise is no exception. Ask one of your friends or family members to join you for a walk around the neighborhood or to help you with a new fitness activity that you are interested in learning. There are also many fitness classes available for seniors across the country that can help you meet other active adults in your area.

Contact your local Y to learn more about you can get started with our program today.

Authored by: YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas