By
A B Fraser, MD
Submitted On March 11, 2016
Older adults, those of us over 50, (yes I'm including myself),
know we can benefit from regular exercise. The rewards for older adults
who stay physically active on a regular basis are numerous. The benefits
are psychological, emotional, and social, as well as physical.
Unfortunately our bodies are not as physically capable as they used to
be.
That means we should consider low impact exercises in our fitness regimens. Listed below are several ideas for enjoying exercise as an older adult.
Join a Seniors Hiking Club
Joining a hiking club is an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying physically active at the same time. Thanks to the power of the Internet, finding a hiking club that caters to your specific age group is as simple as a few clicks of the mouse. And you will make more social connections, definitely a plus at any age, but even more important as we age.
Do Some Yard Work
Raking leaves, mowing the lawn, weeding your garden and planting flowers are all physically demanding activities. They're also low impact forms of exercise. Health experts recommend spending time outdoors each and every day, and handling some overlooked yard work is a great way to do exactly that.
Take the Stairs, Not the Elevator
This is a no-brainer, low impact exercise that older adults, and younger adults, too, frown upon. Whenever possible, hit the stairs instead of lazily boarding the elevator. Your heart, mind and body will all benefit from this simple to perform but much avoided low impact physical activity.
Walk Instead of Driving
If you live 20 miles from your job, walking instead of driving obviously won't work. However, we human beings reach for the car keys far too frequently, and often just from habit. If your destination is less than 1 or 2 miles away, the weather is cooperating, and you're not rushed for time, why not walk? Enjoy the scenery while you benefit from this low impact activity. And, if it's sunny, you'll get some vitamin D.
Go For a Swim
Swimming is an excellent low impact exercise. It could also be considered "no impact" because of the buoyant properties of water. Many health professionals and personal trainers consider swimming to be the perfect exercise because it effectively reduces the stress, strain, and impact of traditional exercise.
Hit the Dance Floor
Whoever said exercise had to be boring? Call your friends, grab your partner and head out for a night of dancing. Different types of music require higher and lower intensity dance moves, so you can cater your rug cutting evening to your particular fitness level.
Go Stand up Paddling
What exactly is an SUP? Why, a stand up paddleboard of course! Imagine a wider, longer surfboard that you stand on. That is exactly what a stand up paddleboard is. It promotes physical fitness from head to toe, since your body is constantly balancing as you stand on your board propelling yourself through the water with a long handled paddle.
These are just a few ideas. There are many more low impact exercises to check out. The important thing is to get active and stay that way on a regular basis. Your brain and body will be glad you did!
That means we should consider low impact exercises in our fitness regimens. Listed below are several ideas for enjoying exercise as an older adult.
Join a Seniors Hiking Club
Joining a hiking club is an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying physically active at the same time. Thanks to the power of the Internet, finding a hiking club that caters to your specific age group is as simple as a few clicks of the mouse. And you will make more social connections, definitely a plus at any age, but even more important as we age.
Do Some Yard Work
Raking leaves, mowing the lawn, weeding your garden and planting flowers are all physically demanding activities. They're also low impact forms of exercise. Health experts recommend spending time outdoors each and every day, and handling some overlooked yard work is a great way to do exactly that.
Take the Stairs, Not the Elevator
This is a no-brainer, low impact exercise that older adults, and younger adults, too, frown upon. Whenever possible, hit the stairs instead of lazily boarding the elevator. Your heart, mind and body will all benefit from this simple to perform but much avoided low impact physical activity.
Walk Instead of Driving
If you live 20 miles from your job, walking instead of driving obviously won't work. However, we human beings reach for the car keys far too frequently, and often just from habit. If your destination is less than 1 or 2 miles away, the weather is cooperating, and you're not rushed for time, why not walk? Enjoy the scenery while you benefit from this low impact activity. And, if it's sunny, you'll get some vitamin D.
Go For a Swim
Swimming is an excellent low impact exercise. It could also be considered "no impact" because of the buoyant properties of water. Many health professionals and personal trainers consider swimming to be the perfect exercise because it effectively reduces the stress, strain, and impact of traditional exercise.
Hit the Dance Floor
Whoever said exercise had to be boring? Call your friends, grab your partner and head out for a night of dancing. Different types of music require higher and lower intensity dance moves, so you can cater your rug cutting evening to your particular fitness level.
Go Stand up Paddling
What exactly is an SUP? Why, a stand up paddleboard of course! Imagine a wider, longer surfboard that you stand on. That is exactly what a stand up paddleboard is. It promotes physical fitness from head to toe, since your body is constantly balancing as you stand on your board propelling yourself through the water with a long handled paddle.
These are just a few ideas. There are many more low impact exercises to check out. The important thing is to get active and stay that way on a regular basis. Your brain and body will be glad you did!
Interested in the "10 Steps" you can start taking today to stay healthy, and decrease your risk of stroke and dementia? Visit http://saynotostroke.com/10-steps. Sign up for the newsletter and receive a copy of the "10 Steps".
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