Fitness for the Golden Years: A Senior-Friendly Exercise Plan

Exercises are essential across all ages but particularly important for senior adults in maintaining independence. As people age, their lifestyle becomes sedentary, and they are less involved in physical activities. This leads to a weak body and increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Today we look at the benefits of exercise for senior adults and discuss some senior-friendly exercise plans.

Why Exercise Matters Most for Seniors

Independence

Seniors who exercise are less likely to depend on other people. Exercise for older adults makes it easier to perform activities of daily living such as walking, bathing, cooking, dressing, getting in or out of a bed or chair, and moving around the house or neighborhood. Exercise is one of the surest ways to maintain independence for older adults.

More Energy

Did you know that being inactive makes you tired while being active gives you more energy? Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which are essential neurotransmitters linked to pain mitigation and a sense of well-being. Endorphins combat stress hormones, support healthy sleep, and make you feel more lively and energetic.

Prevents Disease

Senior adults are at a high risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, depression, and osteoporosis. Fortunately, adopting a more active lifestyle can help prevent these diseases or at least reduce the unpleasant symptoms of the diseases if you have them. If you are at risk for a disease, exercise can help ward off unpleasant conditions.

Improve brain function

The body is closely linked to the mind, and a healthy body means a healthy mind. According to research from NCBI, seniors who exercise have improved cognitive health. Regular exercise reduces your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia by nearly 50%, according to the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation.

Overall Health

Regular exercise improves muscle strength and bone density which is essential for women since they lose bone density faster after menopause than men. The benefits of exercise for the heart and lungs help promote overall health and offset some risks for chronic diseases.

The Best Exercise for Seniors

Exercise is important for senior adults, but it can be hard to know where to begin. Reentry into the active world can be unnerving if you last worked out a while ago. Chances are, the exercises you were once accustomed to are not ideal for older adults.
Before you start any exercise plan, you should check in with a physician to ensure that you are healthy enough for exercise and see which exercises are ideal for your current fitness level. Maintaining a healthy diet is also very ideal for seniors in their exercise regimen.

Best Aerobic Exercises for Senior Adults

Walking

Walking is the simplest form of exercise you can do. It is also one of the best forms of cardio for older adults. Although it is not as intense as running, walking is an effective workout that can raise your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health while being easy on the joints. It can also help reduce the risk of health problems such as osteoporosis and falling. Walking is something you can do safely, even if you walk with a cane or walker. Aim to walk for 20-30 minutes every day.

Cycling

An outdoor bicycle or stationary bike requires using larger muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstrings, which lead to increased blood flow and demand on the heart and lungs. When repeated, the body adapts by increasing its capacity to tolerate the added load, making it beneficial to the heart and lungs. When you cycle outdoors, remember to wear protective gear and stay hydrated.

Dancing

Moving your body with continuous dancing counts as cardio whether you are into Zumba, line dancing, or tango. Dancing elevates your heart rate, improves balance, strengthens multiple large muscle groups, and lifts your spirits. You can pair it with a partner or group and have yourself a social and physical workout.

Nature Works

Walking in nature can challenge the body’s proprioception or awareness of itself in space. Walking on various terrain can improve agility, strength, and balance for safer movement overall. Spending time outside also leads to psychological effects such as reduced anxiety and improved mood.

Best Strength Training for Senior Adults

Sit to Stand

Start by sitting in a chair with a seat high enough that you will not use your arms to raise it. Have a chair in front of you for safety. Stand up and sit repeatedly. If it’s too challenging, use a cushion or two to create a higher surface. Repeat ten times.

This exercise can help you get up from a toilet or couch and prevent the need for assistance.

Bridge

Lie on a mat with your knees bent flat on the mat. Raise your hips and hold for three seconds at the top of the motion.

This exercise strengthens the gluteal muscles, essential for getting up from a chair, bed mobility, standing, and walking. It also stretches the hip flexor muscles, which can become weak and tight from a sedentary lifestyle.

T Rows

Sit upright in a chair and hold a resistance band in front of you at chest height. Open your arms to the right and left in a horizontal line which should touch the center of your breastbone.

Return to the starting position and repeat ten times.

This exercise works the muscles of the upper back and shoulder blades to improve the upright standing position. They also maintain a neutral spine posture while standing, walking efficiently, and balance.

Final Words

Exercise is essential for senior adults for the reasons mentioned above. The above activities can help seniors become physically active and gain more independence.

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