5 EXERCISES FOR SENIORS

Exercise is one of the key components of a game plan to live a healthy lifestyle, but it is even more important for seniors who experience a rapid health decline as they enter their retirement years. As we age, our health requirements constantly change, as do the type of exercises that help us stay healthy. Healthcare specialists emphasize the importance of exercise for seniors because of several reasons.

Exercise represents an effective strategy to help maintain healthy bones, as well as enhance blood circulation. It also helps improve balance and coordination, as well as generates much more energy. Seniors who follow a regular exercise routine tend to be more independent because a healthier body is more willing to complete daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Several studies have shown exercise helps prevent and mitigate the symptoms of many diseases. Perhaps most importantly, exercise improves the functioning of the brain.

At the MorningStar of Rio Rancho senior housing center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, we encourage residents to stay fit by participating in five popular exercises for seniors.

Resistance Band Workouts

You can keep your muscles healthy without having to lift weights. As strips of rubber that stretch, these bands add resistance to your workouts without placing too much stress on the body. Resistance band exercises are perfect for strengthening the core of your body, which helps enhance balance, posture, and mobility.

Water Aerobics

Water aerobics has emerged as one of the most popular exercises for seniors because it does not involve cycling or jogging, but it delivers the same heart-healthy benefits. This activity is ideal for seniors suffering from arthritis or other types of joint pain. Water aerobic exercises also enhance your strength and flexibility. At our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, NM, we offer a large swimming pool where residents participate in water aerobics exercises.

Pilates

As a low-impact exercise, Pilates is the perfect exercise for seniors. Structured breathing, along with alignment, concentration, and building core strength are the benefits of participating in this exercise for seniors. Pilates typically involves the use of mats, balls, and other inflated accessories to absorb strong impacts. Movements like step-ups, side circles, and food slides help improve balance and coordination.

Walking

There is not an exercise for seniors that is less stressful on the body than walking. It also is one of the most accessible types of exercises for seniors because it does not involve the purchase of expensive equipment and you can complete the exercise just about anywhere. Walking 10,000 steps a day can lower the risk of developing heart disease, as well as prevent the development of diabetes and colon cancer.

Chair Yoga

Yoga can be intimidating for seniors because of the different contorted body positions. However, you can participate in yoga classes by sitting in a chair when completing a wide variety of movements. Chair yoga also places less stress on the bones, joints, and muscles than its more typical standing counterpart. Seniors who participate in chair yoga report improved mental health and better sleep quality.

At our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, we offer residents the recreational amenities they need to maintain vibrant mental and physical health. With three lifestyle options, a senior loved one can transition into a different living arrangement without having to move to another property. Learn more about how MorningStar  of Rio Rancho promotes the health of every resident through exercise.