In the age of digital technology and binge-watching, it is no surprise that most adults – especially seniors – don’t get the exercise they need.
Instead of reaching for running shoes, most seniors are reaching for the TV remote. According to a study by MarketCharts, adults aged 50-64 watched an average of 42 hours of TV per week.
Before you fall into the slump of becoming a couch potato, here are a few simple tips to help you become more active.
Creating an Action Plan
It can be hard to pull out of the habit of watching television, but taking small steps toward the door can make a big difference in the life of a senior.
- Schedule activities outside the living arrangements (ie bingo, dinner, walk in the park, ect.)
- Make the plan to call a different friend and/or relative at a specific time each day
- Spread out the weekly chores so that they don’t all fall on one particular day
Less TV Means More Health Benefits
Watching television invariably means getting comfortable in a sitting or lying down position and watching a screen. Research shows that it’s not good for anyone’s body to remain in such a sedentary position for long periods of time. It has been prominently shown in academic studies that every hour an adult spends watching television can shorten his or her lifespan by 22 minutes. The following are a few more points about the cons of television:
- A sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy and has been linked to many serious health issues, including:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer (various kinds)
- Watching television is linked to eating unhealthy food. Not only can commercials about potato chips and other foods that lack nutrition influence poor eating, but it has become a habit for many people to eat popcorn and other fatty snacks while watching TV.
- Many seniors find themselves missing out on opportunities for social interaction because they are busy watching TV. Social isolation is similar to a sedentary lifestyle because it is also very bad for your health and overall well-being. Social Isolation has been linked to depression and poor attitudes.
Rittenhouse Village Senior Living offers a Celebrations Activities program that schedules numerous exciting events which are designed to get residents social and active. At Rittenhouse Village, it’s almost impossible not to get involved and hop off the couch.
