Though critical for the health of one’s body and mind, physical activity can be harder to come by during the winter months. But no matter the weather outside, it is absolutely essential – particularly for 55+ aged adults – to remain active. For a better overall quality of sleep, memory, health, and life all year long, your aging loved one must do everything in their power to stay active.
To help your retirement age grandparent, parent, or other loved one remain as active as possible, consider the following tips.
Exercise Videos
Not sure what kind of exercises you should be doing? Check out YouTube and other free online video collections by typing in something on the lines of “exercises for seniors”. Search Amazon and other e-commerce sites for manufactured videos/DVDs involving exercises for older adults.
Additionally, here are some exercises for 55+ adults as well as safety recommendations. Though there are no accompanying videos, once you have your exercise suggestions, they can be found easily through an online search if you need instruction.
Exercising at Home
To get enough exercise, it isn’t necessary to leave your residence. From the comfort of your own home, there are numerous ways to stay fit and active. You may want to consider one or more of the following apparatus to pursue an indoor exercise routine:
- Yoga mats
- Rowing machine
- Stationary bike
- Elastic bands
- Kettle balls and dumbbells
- Treadmill
Yoga is fantastic for people of any age but can be particularly beneficial for 55+ adults. Both scientific and medical studies have proven the positive effects that can be enjoyed by retirement age individuals who participate regularly in yoga – even if it needs to be modified due to particular physical limitations.
Workout Classes
Workout classes are available online if there are none to take advantage of locally. Get a few friends together and, if necessary, practice social distancing. The whole point is that you combine good physical exercise with the opportunity for socialization and sharing.
Consider the following types of exercise opportunities:
- Strength training
- Balance, flexibility, and stretching
- Line dancing
- Water aerobics
- Chair aerobics
- Jazzercise
Go for a Walk
Even in winter, you may be able to find an occasional nice day warm enough that walking will be comfortable and safe. Be sure to dress warmly to protect your feet, hands, head, ears, nose, etc. from the cold air. It’s easier to take a layer off if you get too warm than it is to hurry home because you got too cold. Public trails, parks, and neighborhood sidewalks work well for outdoor walking.
When you can’t walk out of doors, walk around indoors as much as possible. Even if there is no treadmill, walking up and down hallways at your residence, at shopping malls, gymnasiums/tracks, the YMCA, etc. can be beneficial.
Activity Opportunities at Rittenhouse Village At Michigan City
Residents at Rittenhouse Village At Michigan City have plenty of activity opportunities thanks to our programs, including Dimensions Health and Fitness that focuses on physical, medical, spiritual, social, intellectual, and emotional wellness through spiritual gatherings, exercise classes, educational opportunities, and more, and Celebrations Activities and Events with numerous activities and events provided, including themed parties, exciting games, educational programs, exercise programs, and more.
