Approximately 100,000 senior adults come together each year to celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day to help promote the importance. If you didn’t celebrate this year, the large community will continue to participate in local health and fitness events at over a thousand locations across the country. Even if you have reached your golden years without working up much of a sweat, starting a new exercise routine may be one of the best things you can do for your health. Continue reading to learn more about becoming more physically active in your senior years.

Benefits of exercise for older adults

Although physical activity is beneficial for everyone, it is especially important for seniors to prevent or delay many of the health problems that commonly occur with aging. For example, older adults who exercise regularly are less likely to develop high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Staying active is also one of the best ways to boost your mood and maintain your independence. In fact, regular physical exercise can keep your mind sharp and significantly reduce your risk of dementia!

Getting started

Before you start any fitness program, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough to exercise. Once you get the OK, it can be hard to know where to begin. If you haven’t worked out for a while, the thought of joining the fitness world again can be daunting. There is also a good chance that the exercises you once did aren’t ideal for older adults. In general, seniors should try to incorporate strength and balance exercises with aerobic activity. Swimming, yoga, pilates, walking, and resistance bands are great options for older adults. This being said, the best exercises for seniors are the ones that they want to do and will do consistently.

Fitness apps for seniors

No matter your interests or fitness level, there’s an app to help you become more active. Here are some options to try new exercises and pack your progress:

• Map My Walk – Walking is a fantastic low-impact activity that you can do every day to stay healthy. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this app has what you need to stay on track. Map My Walk is available from iOS and Android, free with optional in-app purchases.
• SilverSneakers GO – Getting active just got easier with this fitness app designed for older adults. You can access strength, walking, and meditation programs and easily adjust each exercise to your comfort level. The free SilverSneakers GO app is available from iOS and Android.
• MyFitnessPal – If you would like to track your nutrition and calorie intake along with your workouts, this app is for you. The database of more than 6 million foods makes it easy to monitor what you eat, no matter what type of diet you follow. MyFitnessPal is available from iOS and Android, free with optional in-app purchases.
• 7-Minute Chi – Because the movements are slow and gentle, tai chi is a popular exercise option for seniors. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi is a great option for gently improving strength, balance, flexibility, and range of motion. 7-Minute Chi is available from iOS and Android, free with optional in-app purchases.

Final thoughts

Even though exercise can help seniors live longer, healthier, more joyous lives, safety is key. Start by checking with your doctor and start slowly if you’re a beginner. Many activities can even be modified to fit any limitations that you might have. Don’t hesitate to use an assistive device if you need one! Go ahead and parade that cane or rollator as you celebrate local events this summer. If you are ready for a new, upgraded mobility aid, the HomeCare Hospital Beds team of experts is ready to help. For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**