Staying Active in the Senior Years

As you grow older, an active lifestyle is more important than ever. Mobility, flexibility and balance may become difficult.  Maintaining regular exercise can help boost energy, maintain your independence, and manage symptoms of illness or pain. Exercise can even reverse some of the symptoms of aging. And not only is exercise good for your body, it’s also good for your mind, mood, and memory.

Here at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare we incorporate regular exercise into fun social outings and activities. There is something for everyone no matter the level of fitness or ability.  Gardening in raised planters, Tai Chi, sports activities, seasonal outings, music therapy, and dance therapy name just a few of the fun activities that keep seniors active.

Senior health experts say that a sedentary lifestyle can rob seniors of much of their health and enjoyment of life. Fitness experts recommend several areas to focus on:

Flexibility – Many seniors have trouble with range of motion and flexibility.  Yoga, Pilates (designed for seniors) and stretching exercises can help maintain muscle flexibility and range of motion.

Strength exercises – Strength training can reduce the rate at which your bones become weaker. Trained instructors can help seniors do simple muscle exercises to build strength.

Aerobic exercises – Getting your heart rate up can benefit your entire body and make it easier for you to walk or perform just about any everyday activity.

Getting older shouldn’t mean surrendering to a sedentary lifestyle. Staying fit should remain a part of your daily routine.