As summer approaches, most people are eager to get outside and enjoy the warm weather and all its active opportunities. However, after being sedentary during the winter months, many seniors may need to adjust their fitness routines to meet the challenge of this increased activity level.
Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time to incorporate senior-friendly strategies into your daily routine. These steps can boost strength, balance and endurance so you’ll be ready to enjoy summer’s active lifestyle
Low-Impact Exercise Ideas for Senior Fitness
Low-impact exercises are an excellent way for older adults to increase their activity level while minimizing the risk of injury. So are fitness programs that improve core strength and stamina. Let’s take a look at some exercise options that seniors might want to try this spring.
- Walking: This is one of the simplest and best low-impact exercises for seniors. It’s easy to do, requires no special equipment, and can be done outdoors or indoors. Walking can improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and enhance mood. PSL communities are equipped with walking paths and trails to encourage daily exercise, whether with friends or as a solitary activity
- Water aerobics: Water exercises are incredibly effective for seniors because the buoyancy of the water reduces strain on joints and muscles.
Swimming laps or participating in water aerobics can enhance flexibility, strength, and endurance. Many PSL communities have heated pools that are perfect for aquatic exercise. In addition to open pool time, they offer water aerobics classes that can also be adapted for different fitness levels. - Chair yoga: Another great option for seniors who may have limited mobility or prefer exercises with added stability is chair yoga. This gentle form of yoga uses a chair for support, allowing participants to perform stretches, breathing exercises, and poses that promote flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Chair yoga can be done at any fitness level, making it accessible to a wide range of abilities.
- Tai chi: This mind-body form of fitness involves slow, controlled movements and deep breathing. It’s known for its ability to improve balance, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Because it’s low impact, it’s an excellent choice for seniors who may be recovering from injury or those who suffer from osteoarthritis.
- Resistance bands: Staying strong is essential at any age, but especially as we grow older. Resistance bands are a low-impact way to improve muscle strength without the need for heavy weights. Strength training exercises with resistance bands can be tailored to suit different levels of ability and can help seniors build muscle mass, improve bone density, and enhance balance.
How Senior Living Communities Support Active Aging
Senior living communities, including PSL, are uniquely positioned to support older adults in their pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Kevin Mallon, Corporate Director of Thrive Wellness at PSL, oversees the health program and shares, "The goal is to make our senior fitness programs accessible, even to those with limited mobility, by providing low-impact classes and chair exercises that enhance flexibility and balance."
Here are some ways these communities can provide the resources and guidance needed to stay fit all year long:
- Professional instructors: Fitness classes are widely available and led by instructors who specialize in senior health and wellness. They can provide valuable guidance in performing low-impact exercises. They also understand the unique needs of older adults and can create personalized fitness plans that focus on mobility, strength, and flexibility.
- Adaptive equipment: For seniors with physical challenges, adaptive equipment can make a world of difference. Resistance bands, light dumbbells, and stability balls are just a few examples of tools that can assist seniors in performing low-impact exercises. Senior living communities often provide access to such equipment, allowing residents to participate in a variety of activities in a comfortable, supportive environment.
- Physical therapy (PT) services: Many senior living communities have partnerships with physical therapy services to help residents who are recovering from an injury or trying to find ways to manage chronic conditions like arthritis. A licensed physical therapist can design a personalized exercise plan to address specific needs, whether it’s improving range of motion, relieving joint pain, or building strength to prevent future injuries.
- Classes for all fitness levels: One of the benefits of senior living communities is the social aspect of fitness. Group exercise classes can provide motivation, camaraderie, and a sense of accountability. Senior living communities often offer a variety of classes, such as low-impact aerobics, Pilates, stretching, and balance training. These classes are typically designed to accommodate various fitness levels, so every resident, regardless of ability, can participate.
Explore a PSL Community Near You This Spring
Spring is a great season to get out and visit senior living communities. And if you get started now, you can be moved in and settled with plenty of time to enjoy all these communities have to offer. We encourage you to call a PSL location near you to learn more!