According to the CDC, older adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise every week. In addition, you need at least two days of focus on muscle strengthening and balance improvement.
Just reading all that may make you exhausted already, but keeping up with your physical health is vital to your quality of life. Luckily, if you’re struggling, there are several senior activities that are fun and engaging.
In this article, we’ll give you ideas for active aging that will make you eager to get moving. With enough time, you’ll see a significant improvement in your overall health, so read on for some fantastic tips.
Walking Clubs
Who says that exercise has to be strenuous? Many communities for assisted living in Jacksonville have low-impact physical activities where everyone can participate, and one of them is walking clubs.
Walking is an excellent way to stay fit without putting too much strain on your joints. It’s up to you whether you want to explore trails and scenic parks or malls.
It’s one of the top social activities for seniors too. You can gab with your friends for hours while getting your steps in.
Hiking and Nature Walks
For something a bit more challenging, consider hiking and nature walks. This can get you out in nature, helping you discover things about Jacksonville you hadn’t noticed before.
What’s great about hiking and nature walks is that there are trails with different difficulties. You can select ones with easy terrains so you won’t overexert yourself.
If you’re still finding it challenging, then bring walking poles. They can give you more balance and pain relief as you walk about.
Swimming and Water Aerobics
For the ultimate relief on your joints, go swimming or take water aerobics. Another advantage is that if you don’t like sweating, then you won’t feel any of that here.
Water exercises reduce the impact on your joints, and they also improve your flexibility. And if you take aqua yoga or do water resistance workouts, you’ll get full-body conditioning too.
If you’re not sure where to start, then check with your local community center. They often have senior-friendly classes.
Tai Chi and Qigong
Tai chi and qigong are outstanding exercises for seniors, which is why you’ll see them in wellness programs for older adults.
Both involve gentle, flowing motions that help you get a better grasp on balance. Plus, they’re very relaxing, and you’ll walk out of sessions with an air of serenity.
After you start practicing tai chi and qigong, you’ll find an improvement in your overall coordination. As a result, you’ll decrease your risk of falls.
Yoga and Meditation
Another way to relax while moving your body is to do yoga. Yoga can enhance your balance and flexibility while providing some relaxation.
It’s optimal to combine it with guided breathing exercises too. These will improve your lung capacity and help with stress management.
On that note, you should consider meditation as well. Not only does this help with breathing, but also your mental health.
Residents in a retirement community in Jacksonville may find that they already have access to personalized classes. In that case, take full advantage!
Dance Classes
A little bit of music can already perk up our lives, but add dancing to it, and it’s a world of fun! Dancing can certainly be a creative way to stay active without the activity feeling like a chore.
Let the tracks perk you up as you step in time to the teacher’s instructions. Whether you’re doing ballroom dancing, line dancing, or Zumba Gold (senior-friendly Zumba), you’ll improve your coordination.
Another aspect of this senior recreation activity is that there’s social interaction. So dance classes allow you to take care of both your physical and mental health.
Gardening
Is there anything better than feeling the soil through your fingers as you work hard to plant your favorite flowers and vegetables?
The good news is that light gardening activities can provide moderate exercise, as well as improve your mood and reduce stress. You can do things like:
- Planting
- Weeding
- Watering
If you’re struggling, then use raised garden beds. You’ll get easier access that way.
Volunteering
Those who want to give back to the community while staying active can turn to volunteering. You won’t get bored of it since you can switch organizations and activities. Plus, you’ll be helping good causes, which can provide you with a sense of purpose.
Need some inspiration? Here are a few common ones that are ideal for seniors:
- Walking shelter dogs
- Helping at community events
- Working at a food bank
A side benefit of volunteering is that you’ll find other like-minded people. Whether they’re young or old, you may find some long-term friends through this avenue.
Chair Exercises
Those who aren’t able-bodied may worry about staying active. It’s understandable; how can you keep your body fit if you’ve got pain and discomfort?
Even if you’re in memory care for seniors in Jacksonville, chair exercises can do wonders for you, as they’re perfect for those with limited mobility. For example, you can participate in chair yoga and seated aerobics, which are great for improving flexibility. The instructors may also have you do strength-building routines using resistance bands or light weights.
Chair exercises fall under group activities too, so you can attend the sessions with friends. That way, you’re not alone.
Try Out These Senior Activities for Better Physical Health
Taking care of your health is important, especially as you get into your golden years. But you’re not as energetic and strong as you were before, so it’s difficult to find things you can do and enjoy.
With this list of creative senior activities, you can hopefully find a few interesting things that’ll stimulate both your body and mind.
We at Discovery Village at Deerwood have a full schedule of events to keep your life vibrant and fun. Get in touch with us now if you’re in search of a senior living community in Jacksonville, FL.
