Exercising regularly is an essential part of staying healthy into your senior years. More research is showcasing the importance of regular exercise, especially for seniors, as it provides many benefits. There are a plethora of activities that seniors can participate in regularly to keep them active and improve their overall health. This blog will highlight the best exercises for seniors and why they should partake in them.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is an excellent exercise for seniors because it is a low-impact exercise that provides them with incredible benefits. This is because chair yoga improves muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. It benefits seniors because falls are a high risk for older adults. According to research, a senior suffers a fall every second of the day. Increasing their balance through doing this exercise would negate the risks of falling, making it very beneficial for seniors to partake. On top of this chair, yoga allows older adults to participate in an accessible form of yoga that provides less stress on the muscles, joints, and bones. This form of yoga also improves the mental health of seniors. Regular participants of chair yoga state that through this exercise, they have seen many benefits, including better sleep, lower instances of depression, and an increase in overall mood. Overall, chair yoga is among seniors’ most effective exercises because it provides many physical and mental health benefits.
Chair Yoga Exercises For Seniors
- Overhead stretch
- Seated twist
- Neck twitch
- Seated mountain pose
Dumbbell Strength Training
Dumbbell workouts are one of the best ways for seniors to weight train, providing various benefits for them. Strength training with dumbbells has alleviated symptoms of diabetes, osteoporosis, back pain, and depression. This type of training also helps contribute to higher metabolism and glucose control. On top of the benefits listed, dumbbell lifting allows seniors to isolate muscle group strengths while improving their balance. Dumbbell strength training provides various benefits that will enhance seniors’ mental and physical health, which is why it is one of the most effective exercises for seniors.
Dumbbell Strength Training Exercises For Seniors
- Bent-over row
- Bicep curl
- Overhead press
- Front raise
Walking
This suggestion might seem obvious, but walking provides various benefits for seniors and is easily accessible. Walking is incredible for seniors because it is the best form of cardio for them and can be modified to their pace. It also promotes a healthier lifestyle, strengthens muscles, and lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Also, seniors can walk in various settings, including nature paths and parks. Walking on multiple terrains is beneficial because it can improve strength, agility, and balance for better overall movement. Also, spending time outside leads to positive psychological effects such as reduced anxiety and improved mood. Overall walking is one of the best ways to get cardio for older adults hence why it is one of the best exercises for seniors.
Suggestions For Walking For Seniors
- Walk with a friend
- Find moderate trails to walk
- Find a walk-friendly race to participate in
- Find a park trail to walk through
Senior Programs Strong Play
At Strong Play, we run incredible programs that are targeted toward seniors. Our programs focus on getting seniors involved and active. As well as focuses on teaching them new things, such as how to use technological products. Overall, our programs for seniors are incredible and give them something to do to keep them mentally and physically active. If you are interested in learning more about our programs, head to our senior program page.