No matter your current level of activity, starting a fitness routine is a great idea for seniors. CenterWell care providers are experts at assessing the mobility and agility of seniors, helping them craft a fitness plan that helps them maintain their strength and independence.

Let's explore how regular exercise benefits seniors and learn some easy ways to start or enhance a fitness routine.

Exercise helps seniors stay healthy


• Health maintenance: Exercise helps in managing several health issues such as diabetes, heart conditions and arthritis. It also helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
• Mobility and balance: Regular activity strengthens muscles and bones, which helps in improving balance and coordination. This reduces the risk of falls, a common concern among seniors.
• Mental health: Physical activity can also have a positive impact on mental health. It’s known to reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression and boost overall mood.
• Cognitive function: Exercise has been linked to better brain health. It can slow down cognitive decline and lower the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.
• Social interaction: Joining exercise groups or classes can help seniors stay socially active, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Independence: Staying physically active helps seniors maintain their independence for longer, as they are able to perform daily activities easily.

CenterWell care providers are especially skilled at evaluating each senior's capabilities and tailoring fitness plans that meet their specific needs, helping them get and stay active and self-sufficient.

Here are some great exercises for seniors

Walking is an activity you can do anywhere. A brisk walk around your neighborhood or in a local park helps you get fresh air and sunlight, which can help boost your mood and clear your mind. Gardening is another great way to get exercise outdoors and can help you connect with nature.

You can try swimming or water aerobics, which are great for those with joint issues or mobility limitations. Daily stretching or gentle yoga can improve your flexibility and balance, and it's quite relaxing too.

Looking for something easier on the joints? Check out your community center for senior-friendly exercise classes such as tai chi or Zumba Gold.

At home, you can do simple exercises like chair squats, wall push-ups or leg lifts without any special equipment. Dancing is another fun way to stay active, whether you join a formal class or just dance around your living room.(1)

To easily include strength training in your routine, try starting with light resistance bands and gradually increase the resistance as you get stronger. Even a few minutes a day can make a significant impact on maintaining muscle tone and bone health.

It’s important to choose activities that are enjoyable, which makes it more likely that the exercise routine will be maintained. Our CenterWell providers want to work with you to develop and follow an activity plan that is safe and suits your lifestyle.

Source

(1) “Real-Life Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity,” National Institute of Aging, last accessed Sept. 20, 2024.

Disclaimer: Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to keeping humans in the loop. We used artificial intelligence (AI) to help write this. You should speak with a healthcare professional for your health needs, as this article is for informational purposes only.