10 Fun Ways That Seniors Can Stay Active

Updated on July 17, 2018

An aging body may slow down, but this should not be used as an excuse to stop moving altogether. The upkeep of your fitness should be a priority in order to maintain flexible muscles and a sturdy balance while warding off disease and boredom. The trick here is to make exercise seem fun, which isn’t as impossible as you may think. Use the following 10 suggestions to enjoy your magical retirement years in good health:

1. Play with an Animal

Pets come with many health benefits, including the decrease of loneliness and an element of responsibility placed back into a senior’s hands. Certain animals (like dogs) require a lot of attention and won’t be ideal for everyone’s situation, but you could always ask whether a neighboring pet needs a walk once in a while.

2. Play Video Games

Modern video games have come a long way since their reputation as unhealthy antisocial time-wasters. The Wii consoles, for example, incorporate the challenges of mental puzzles with genuine fitness, allowing players to bowl, golf, or perform aerobics without even leaving the comfort of their own home.

3. Go for a Stroll

With the fresh oxygen clearing your thoughts, the sunshine basking your skin in vitamin D, and your legs stretching out their muscles, what’s not to love about a simple walk outside? Utilize a stable walking aid like a rollator walker if you need to and then go on an adventure to explore new places such as the beach, forests, or even famous landmarks in your town.

4. Dance

Turn up the stereo and revisit the classics, dancing freely around your living room. You’ll have so much fun that you won’t even realize you’re doing cardio, while your balance and coordination sharpens too. If this is an idea you particularly enjoy, go one step further by watching online tutorials or joining a class to really improve your moves.

5. Pursue Gardening

Not only will gardening inspire your body to move around outside, but when you add your homegrown vegetables or herbs to your meal, then you will experience an additional well-deserved sense of pride. If bending down is a health concern for you, then invest in small raised pots and hang them outside or utilized raised beds.

6. Attend Group Activities

Add a social aspect to your exercise routine by joining a class or a club. There are yoga or tai chi groups particularly catered towards seniors, which will limber up those muscles and reduce stress through focused breathing. If you prefer a bit of healthy competition, then why not challenge someone to a game of golf or bowling? You’ll make new friends and ward off illnesses at the same time!

7. Try Swimming

If joint pain is a burden in your life, then swimming may be the ideal fitness solution for you. This low impact activity can be used to trigger all muscle groups without any stress on your bones or risking a hard tumble. If endless laps bore you, then engage in some friendly water games or enjoy a session of aqua aerobics.

8. Volunteer

A perfect reason to get out of the house is to help those in need. Your involvement in community issues can make a big difference in people’s lives, and this will give your time a sense of purpose. Volunteering has long been shown to have many mental and physical health benefits including the reduction of depression and increasing life satisfaction.

9. Travel the World

With your doctor’s permission, compile a list of places you’ve always wanted to visit and then start making plans! If you pack light, know your limitations, and don’t forget your medication, then a walk around these brand new environments could very well be the most exciting moments of your life!

10. Go Shopping

Retail therapy is a popular release, hence why you should regularly investigate the mall to hunt down items which will spark happiness in your life. And while you’re at it, why not walk to the grocery store next time too? The stroll will do wonders for your mind and the carrier bags could also help to strengthen your arm muscles.

 

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Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.