Aging is a natural part of life, but that does not mean you must slow down. In fact, many seniors find that staying active has given them a renewed sense of youth and helps them maintain independence. In this blog, we’ll talk about five ways to stay active after 70, so you can truly savor those golden years!
1. Walking
This might seem simple, but walking is actually one of the most effective forms of exercise. And bonus – it’s a great low-impact cardio workout for those who suffer from joint pain and arthritis. Adding just 20-30 minutes of walking per day can make a huge difference in helping you remain active.
And make it fun! Explore local parks or nature trails – remember, exercise benefits both your physical AND mental health.
2. Strength Training
For those 70 and older, strength training fights age-related muscle and bone loss. And seniors who make strength training part of their routine experience less falls and fractures, along with less joint pain and stiffness.
Even just 2-3 strength training sessions per week can help preserve strength and mobility and ensure you can remain active for many years to come! Here are some popular strength training exercises for seniors, along with instructor led videos specifically created for seniors looking to maintain muscle mass.
3. Swimming & Water Aerobics
Water activities are great for those who want to stay active but need an exercise option that is gentle on the joints. Studies show that buoyancy supports up to 90% of body weight, allowing you to move more freely and confidently, yet water activities still provide both cardiovascular and muscle-conditioning benefits.
Some of the benefits of water activities include:
- Reduced joint stress
- Improved mobility and flexibility
- Better balance and coordination
4. Gardening
While not typically something that comes to mind when thinking about forms of exercise, gardening can be a great way to stay active. From planting that very first seed to harvesting your crop, each part of gardening provides distinct forms of physical activity that can be made low-impact to accommodate the needs of most seniors.
Gardening also has positive effects on mental health and has been shown to reduce stress and boost overall mood, as spending time outside under the sun allows our bodies to absorb natural vitamin D.
5. Low-Impact Sports | Pickleball & Golf
Oftentimes, people are more likely to stay active consistently if the activities involve other people. This is why low-impact sports like pickleball or golf can be great options!
Pickleball – a paddle sport that has recently gained popularity and combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis – is a great cardiovascular exercise. And because of the smaller court size, movements are generally more joint-friendly than the movements required to play tennis.
Golf is oftentimes referred to as a lifelong sport, because the game can be adjusted to accommodate changing physical abilities. And because golf combines low-impact exercise (walking and gentle arm swings) with mental stimulation and social connection, it is widely considered as one of the most beneficial ways seniors can stay active.
At Sunset Senior Communities, we encourage our residents to stay active by providing a wide variety of life enriching activities, including pool and exercise classes. For more information about the amenities offered throughout our communities or to schedule a tour, please fill out our website contact form.