From walking groups to tai chi, top 4 ways to stay active
As we age it’s more important than ever to stay healthy and keep physically active. Having an active lifestyle later in life has many benefits, including building muscle, controlling things like weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and pain, as well as helping ease bone and joint problems. Regular exercise can also reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and also help prevent falls and injury.
The good news? You don’t need to engage in long, vigorous activities to reap the benefits of exercise. These four activities are great options for those who haven’t exercised in a while, people with physical limitations, and people who may be getting back into it after an accident or a stay in hospital.
Tai chi
It’s a slow mediative exercise that’s been practiced in China for over 2,000 years and it’s incredibly beneficial, especially for people coming back from injury or people with physical limitations. Employing gentle movements with a focus on a mind-body connection, tai chi is non-strenuous, low-impact, can be performed anywhere and requires no special equipment.
A 2012 study found that tai chi is one of the best options for older people as it provides the benefits of strength training without drawbacks for the heart and arteries. Research has also shown that tai chi helps general wellbeing, ranging from pain relief to lowered blood pressure, and is particularly good for people with arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.
Walking
The simple act of walking provides a myriad of health benefits for older people including increasing strength, agility and mobility. It is simple, free, low-impact, and almost anybody can do it! Walking doesn’t have to be a solo activity, there are plenty of local groups that can make walking social, enjoyable and part of your lifestyle.
Research continuously shows that physical activity doesn’t have to be long and vigorous to improve your health, especially for seniors. A 2014 study of 1,600 people aged between 70 and 89 found that those who participated in a walking program for four months had significantly improved health when compared to those who did not walk. Walking is a particularly good option for people coming back from surgery or injury or those who haven’t exercised in a long time.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy uses a series of gentle movements in warm water, which facilitates movement and reduces stress on the body. It is an excellent choice for rehabilitation and treatment fitness programs, helping to ease stiff joints, relax muscles, relieve pain and build strength.
This type of exercise is a good option for people with arthritis and joint pains, muscular aches and weaknesses, and neurological conditions. Sessions can be personally tailored, and are often led by highly trained physiotherapists.
Water-fitness activities
Any water-based activity is a great option for seniors with health and medical conditions looking to improve their overall wellbeing.
Aquatic exercises challenge the body, building strength, balance, coordination and cardiovascular health, while the water-induced buoyancy will prevent you from falling and ease strain on problem areas. Unlike land-based activities that can be strenuous on the body, exercising in the water reduces stress on the body and is almost guaranteed to be injury-free!
Aqua aerobics is a popular class to attend, and there are ever-increasing options for water-based programs including water yoga and water pilates.
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