Incorporating Exercise As We Age

Staying physically fit during every stage of life is vital to enjoying your golden years. When you stay at a healthy weight, maintain good balance and limit the medications you need, you can stay independent longer.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help avoid the feelings of depression some seniors experience when they age and stop moving regularly. Keep moving!

As you age, however, you have to be careful how you exercise. You may experience some pain, stiffness or swelling after exercise due to conditions such as arthritis. High-impact exercises, like running and jumping, put extra strain on the joints, so talk with your doctor or healthcare provider before beginning any new routine.

Always remember to gently stretch, and don’t overdo it as you find an exercise routine that works for you. And now that summer is here, it’s a great time to take advantage of the warm weather and move your routine outside.

Here are five ways you can get active outside without putting too much strain on your joints:

Walking: A walk around the neighborhood with a friend or partner can provide you with fresh air and new energy to get your day on track. You should aim for about 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day. If you can’t get outside, try an elliptical machine, which allows users to adjust the level of intensity without lifting their feet off the machine.

Yoga: Yoga is a relaxing activity that can be done in a class or on your own. Yoga focuses on flexibility, breathing and strength training in order to promote full mind and body health. This is ideal for the outdoors, so grab your mat and head down to the park on a sunny day. Chair yoga is great for people with less mobility.

Swimming: Being in the water eliminates the impact on our bodies. Water aerobics are a great way to increase your cardiovascular health while strengthening your muscles.

Biking: Biking has