When you get older, your need for exercise doesn’t go away. In fact, exercise is more important than ever for seniors , as it will help you overcome aches and pains, keep your heart strong and healthy, and beat depression and cognitive decline. As with exercise at any age, it’s important to get your doctor’s permission before starting any new fitness activities, to ensure that they are safe for you. Here’s a look at some exercises that are safe and beneficial for most seniors.
Balance Exercises
Falls are a major health risk for seniors, especially after the age of 65, when injuries from falls can lead to serious complications and even loss of life. Balance-centered activities help to reduce the risk of falling so that seniors can continue to live independently . Yoga can help with balance and has the added benefit of increasing strength and flexibility. Walking heel-to-toe, single-leg stances, and back-leg raises can all help seniors practice and increase their balance.
Cardio
Cardiovascular activity is extremely important for older adults. It helps to keep the heart healthy and also helps to lower blood pressure and burn calories. Ideally, seniors should get about 150 minutes of cardio per week. This goal can be met in short bursts of as little as 10 minutes of activity. If you haven’t done cardio recently, build up your endurance slowly, adding as little as five minutes of activity at a time. During cardio, you should breathe harder than normal, but you should still be able to hold a conversation. If you can’t catch your breath or feel dizzy, stop and rest. Swimming, walking, and stationary biking are all good cardio exercises.
Strength Training
Increasing strength does not mean you have to lift heavy weights. Your body weight is sufficient for strengthening activities, or you can try resistance bands. Arm curls, leg lifts, and push-ups can all help you build strength.
Arroyo Gardens Independent and Assisted Living offers resort-like amenities in a community of active, independent seniors with close proximity to top attractions across Southern Arizona and beyond. Discover more about the maintenance-free lifestyle for seniors in this assisted living community in Green Valley, AZ by calling (520) 625-7737.
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At Arroyo Gardens, we’ve created a community of people who are invested in each other’s success, happiness and comfort. Set against the allure of the Santa Rita Mountains, our community offers resort-style living combined with a staff of professional caregivers and nurses able to provide a variety of care services. It’s a place you’ll be proud to call “home.”
Discover art galleries, eclectic shops and restaurants in nearby Tubac, AZ. Explore the recreational destination of Madera Canyon located only 13 miles away. Madera Canyon offers nature walks, birding, picnicking, and hiking among the mountains, seasonal streams, plants, and wildlife. Enjoy the nightlife at nearby Desert Diamond Casino offering slots, table games, and fine dining. At just a four hour drive, Puerto Penasco, Mexico is a great beach destination on the Sea of Cortes. Enjoy lavish resorts, pool side fun, golfing and sandy beaches in this paradise.
Whether you’re simply looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle that allows you to explore your passions, or you need a little assistance with managing daily tasks, you’ll find a community of people dedicated to your well-being.
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