Are you ready to feel young again? As a senior, it’s more important for you to not only get physical exercise but get out there to be an active part of your community.
Doing these things isn’t only good for your body. It’s good for your mind as well. Meeting new people and doing things that you enjoy can keep senior depression at bay and make you a happier person overall.
Are you not sure how to stay active? There are plenty of things you can do and resources you can reach out to. To help you get out there and feel young again, keep reading this helpful guide.
1. Take Things Slow
If you haven’t been active in a long while the first rule is going to be to take it slow. Venture out for short walks to get exercise and a little bit of sun and air. Go on one of these vacations that are good for seniors with limited mobility.
Whatever you do, don’t take things too far and exhaust yourself. There’s nothing wrong with taking small breaks when you feel the need to.
2. Stay Hydrated
Inactive seniors need around 8 glasses of water a day. Active seniors need much more than that. You’ve got to keep yourself hydrated when you’re exercising or else the activity is going to do more harm to your body than good.
Invest in a refillable water bottle and keep it with you. Always drink before and after your workout.
If you don’t like the taste of water, no worries. There are ways you can get your daily water intake while masking the flavor.
3. Talk to Your Doctor
Whatever you do, don’t start up a new exercise regimen without speaking to your doctor first. They will take your needs and medical conditions into account to pick out a routine that will help you get the most out of your workout.
The doctor can also tell you the limitations you’ll face when being active so you don’t bring harm to yourself.
4. Exercise Classes
Senior centers and other programs have exercise classes that you can partake in. You should give them a shot.
They will allow you to remain active and you’ll be able to meet new people. So, it will help you work on your mental health too.
Many of these classes focus on aerobic activities that will help you work on your balance. You can choose from stuff like swimming, Rumba, and Dancing. Dancing will help you work on your balance and your leg muscles at the same time.
5. Hit the Gym
There are a lot of gyms that will offer you a senior discount so you can save money and be active. Most gyms have trainers that you can take advantage of.
These trainers will know how to instruct you while keeping you within your limits. If you want someone who has had experience working with seniors the gym probably has them. All you have to do is ask.
6. Low-Impact Sports
Just because you’re getting up there in years doesn’t mean that you can no longer participate in sports. Golf is one of the best ones you can do. It will allow you to get your walk in for the day that’s for sure.
You can also go out and throw a frisbee around with your dog or sign up to be a part of a bowling team. All of these sports will allow you to be active without doing damage to your joints. You may even get to meet new people too.
7. Get Yourself Out There
Straying a little away from exercise, it’s as important for you to take charge of your mental health as it is for your physical. That’s why you need to get out there and take an active part in your community.
Look around at the non-profit organizations in your neighborhood and check to see if they need any volunteers to help out. Helping out will make you feel good and who knows, you may find a new passion while you’re at it.
8. Find a Hobby You Enjoy
It’s never too later for you to pursue a new hobby. Find something that you’re interested in or try out something that you’ve always thought about doing but didn’t. It could be fun and a lot of hobbies don’t take any special skills for you to do.
All you’ve got to worry about is going after your passion and having fun. Once you find something that you like, reach out to other people who do the same hobby. You may make a few new friends.
9. Go Get a Massage or Two
Even small activities can have your muscles and joints yelling at you when you’re a senior. Once you get so stiff, you lose motivation to be active. What if we told you there was a way to relieve the pain you’re feeling and keep your motivation alive?
The answer is to go get a massage. Getting a massage can help ease the pain that’s keeping you from pursuing your favorite activities and it can give you more energy.
10. Take Time to Relax
No matter what you decide to do to stay active, always pencil in time into your schedule for relaxation days. Everyone needs a day off!
If you try and do too much then your body will start to wear down and get sore and tired. Too much exercise may also leave your body open to illnesses.
How to Stay Active as the Years Tick By
As you age, it’s important that you get exercise and also stay an active player in your community. Doing these things will help you feel younger and stay physically and mentally fit.
If you’re not sure how to stay active, try out some of the methods on this list to get started on your journey.
Staying active isn’t the only way for you to stay healthy as you age. Check out our blog daily for even more great wellness advice.
