For those over the age of 60, exercise is an important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of severe health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Studies have found that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer, as well as helping to prevent obesity and depression among older adults. Cardio for seniors can also improve your overall quality of life and help to reduce stress and depression. While aerobic exercises such as running or cycling tend to be popular among aging family members, there are plenty of other exercises you should consider trying out – so why not give these examples ago?
Water Aerobics
Participating in water aerobics can be very beneficial for your cardiovascular system. You will notice that exercising in water places less pressure on your joints while still getting a great workout. The resistance of water allows you to perform more repetitions while building muscle endurance and cardiovascular health. Water workouts are fun, too; playing around in a pool is always more enjoyable than on land. Try adding some dance moves like The Cha-Cha Slide or Walking on Sunshine while moving around! You may even meet new friends to join your routine with.
Walking
Walking is one of the best and most convenient ways to get in some exercise and stay fit. Walking is accessible (no equipment needed), can be done at any time of day, and you can do it almost anywhere, which makes walking an excellent choice for seniors who might not have a lot of free time to dedicate to exercising. Studies show that people who walk regularly enjoy better health than those who don’t. On top of being an easy way to get in exercise, walking is also low-impact, so it’s very safe for seniors with joint issues. Overall, walking is an excellent way for Golden-age adults to keep their bodies healthy while doing something they enjoy.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is one of many forms of Chinese martial arts, but it’s also practiced for health benefits. The key to tai chi is posture and balance, so it can help persons in their golden years improve their stability and reduce their risk of falls. Tai chi improves flexibility and balance by moving in slow motion with continuous circular movements. Tai chi doesn’t require much strength or coordination, which makes it ideal for less mobile seniors. Tai does require focus, though, so if you have an unfocused mind or too much energy in your body when you start, you might find that tai chi isn’t suitable for you at first.
Gardening
It may seem strange to consider gardening an aerobic exercise, but it is indeed a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. Moving around outside in your garden, raking, mulching, digging, and carrying soil can significantly increase heart rate and burn calories. While doing some of these tasks with hand tools instead of power tools will increase upper body strength and improve balance, which is also crucial to staying healthy as we age. The fun outdoor activity is also great for golden-age adults looking for something to share with their children or grandchildren that aren’t too taxing on their joints and muscles. Give it a try!
