Exercise is one of those things we know we ought to do but sometimes find difficult to accomplish—and it’s even more important to do as we age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular physical activity for older adults as one of the most important things to maintain overall health and prevent many of the health problems that we experience as we age.
Physical activity brings the health benefits of less pain, better mood and a decreased risk for many diseases. Additionally, it can help to manage existing conditions such as reducing symptoms of arthritis, anxiety, and depression as well as helping to control diabetes and high blood pressure.
At Brandermill Woods we encourage residents to stay active in a variety of ways because everyone deserves to focus on the activities they love most during retirement. While exercise is a must for senior health, it doesn’t have to be a chore. Rather than something difficult you “have to do,” here are four ideas for making exercise fun:
- Try tai chi: Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that involves slow, controlled movements and stretches. Each movement flows into the other without stopping to ensure that the body is constantly in motion. This type of exercise helps to improve your balance and keeps you flexible enough to perform everyday tasks. It also lowers your risk of falls or of having a serious injury if you do fall.
- Get dancing: When it comes to exercise, there’s no right or wrong way to dance; it’s all about being active. Dancing is also a great way to get in two types of physical activity, aerobic and balance. Aerobic activity improves your stamina, strengthens your heart and keeps your mind and memory sharp. You can also opt for modified dances that target specific parts of the body.
- Listen to music while you exercise: Whether upbeat for cardio or meditative for tai chi, music can be a great way to stay motivated and energized while you complete your workout. In honor of February and Valentine’s Day, try a playlist of old love songs during slower sessions such as yoga. For intense workouts or to keep the pace while walking, go for the upbeat classics. Most of all, make it fun!
- Join or create a heart walk team: The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association's premier event for raising funds. These funds go towards saving others from heart disease and stroke. This can be a great activity to do among residents on campus. Visit their website if you’re interested in joining or creating your own team.
If you’d like to enjoy all that retirement has to offer, including a wealth of exercise options, join us at Brandermill Woods. Contact us today to schedule a tour!
