Valentin Bosioc
Once people reach a certain age, it becomes hard for them even to walk, let alone exercise. However, it is precisely this lack of mobility that is further aggravating the problem of physical inactivity in the elderly population. Staying active is important for people of all ages but when it comes to seniors, this is also a major health issue as doctors often prescribe long walks in the park, just as they would prescribe a medicine. What’s more, a physically active pensioner is less likely to develop a mental condition and he or she will remain sharp-minded and focused even in their ninth life decade. That is why fitness tips help old people stay motivated to exercise and not give up on their physical and mental well-being.
Tai Chi for stability
If you are having difficulties with keeping upright while standing or you are unstable, then Tai Chi classes are ideal for you. The more balanced you get, the more confident you become. You will improve your posture in no time and walk with more confidence, less and less relying on your cane for support. An old person experiencing hip or back problems knows to appreciate reducing the risk of falling, as any slip of the foot could be fatal. Apart from Tai Chi, you can try yoga classes as well, since both courses are offered by local fitness studios. In fact, many of them have special groups just for the elderly.
Strength and weight training
Hitting the gym is probably the last thing a senior would do but weight lifting can be beneficial for you. Of course, the weights you lift should not exceed 5 kilograms in eight but even such small numbers result in a huge benefit for all muscle groups. Unlike younger people, you should not aim to isolate one group of muscles but work out every part of your body, from light neck stretches, all the way to the calf muscle training.
You can even take up Pilates, so you would increase not only muscle mass but the strength of those muscles, which is extremely important. The rubber ball used in aerobics training might seem silly and lightweight but manipulating it for extended periods increases your durability and stamina.
But let’s try to be honest here… Don’t even think about going skydiving anymore! :). If you are up for a challenge why not, but still…
Golf for mental health
Golf is a sport popular among more and more age groups, as an increasing number of young people are picking it up. However, its gameplay is perfect for people with limited mobility. Since you are basically playing against yourself, you can choose the pace you use to walk across the green, turning a Sunday walk into an interesting competition with your peers. It is precisely this second benefit that is the greatest since the etiquette present in golf means that human contact will cause no stress at all and you will be able to relax in a natural environment. By playing golf regularly you gradually develop strong mental health that will help you follow through the fitness program you have started. Training your mind is just as important as training your body.
Swimming for a full body workout
One of the sports that are most rewarding in terms of its versatility is swimming. We are not referring to swimming races or even demanding strokes, like the butterfly, but a mild swimming practice once a week. It takes only half an hour of breaststroke swimming in the local public pool before you can feel the benefits for your organism. This is an excellent cardio workout that will prevent any coronary problems that cause 1 in every 4 deaths in the United State alone. In general, water has a soothing effect on the body and the mind, so even wadding through it can calm your nerves down. There are also aerobics classes for seniors, so you can pick up those, as they offer moderate activity inside the pool.
Stairs: An everyday workout
Now, taking the elevator might seem like the easier and the healthiest solution but this is only true if you are going high, for instance, above the third floor. In reality, you shouldn’t shy from a short flight of stairs as they are an excellent exercise for your legs. Lifting up the foot to get to the next step can turn every visit to the grocery store into a “leg day,” as the younger generations would say.
Staying fit is not only a thing of the body but of the mind as well. Through exercising you improve your health at an old age; just don’t forget that mental health is an integral part of your well-being.
