As you get older, you might find that you are not as active as you used to be. This could lead to lower agility and flexibility. While exercising won’t stop you from aging, it might make you feel better. The good news is that it’s not hard to make a few changes to get more active and live your life to the fullest.
Getting Around with an E-Bike
One easy way of adding more activity to your routine is walking or biking to areas you frequently attend, like recreational centers. But for seniors, this might be challenging because of age-related conditions. Instead, you may consider using an electric bike. It works similarly to a regular bike, and it still requires some physical activity. However, it also has an electric component, which augments your power and eliminates the need to pedal. Using an e-bike makes it easier to navigate hills, allowing you to go further without becoming exhausted.
Consider Exercise Classes
You don’t have to sit in front of the television watching shows all day. You could take a dance class, especially if it’s one you’ve already been wanting to try. If you can find one close enough to your home, you may consider walking or biking to and from these locations. Dancing helps you stay active, and it’s fun. If you don’t use your muscles, they could get weaker. Dancing is a great way to work out your whole body, and it particularly helps your core. That enables you to balance better while remaining stable. These aspects might worsen as you get older.
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Some seniors also don’t have great flexibility, but by moving around more, you may retain flexibility. You might want to sign up for an exercise class designed for seniors since they encourage movement. At the same time, they aren’t hard on your muscles or joints. You can try water-based workout classes as well. Swimming is an aerobic exercise, which is essential to do in addition to strength training. Even if you can’t run or walk on land, you can likely swim or do water walking. It’s a low-impact exercise, making it perfect for those with joint issues. Swimming and specific water-based activities can work out your entire body since it raises your heart rate. That way, you can strengthen the muscle. After a water-based workout, you may find you have a better toned body.
Consider Pet Ownership
Walking is a great way to get active since it is relatively low impact. And having a dog will encourage you to walk them around your neighborhood. Even if you forget, your dog won’t let you forget when it’s time for your daily stroll. Plus, sharing a walk with your pet makes the process more enjoyable. This exercise allows you to keep your joints in good condition, even if you have arthritis, which might stop you from doing other physical activities.
Try Some Yoga
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Yoga may seem relatively easy, but it’s more of a workout than you might think. You can find classes for seniors, ensuring you do the safest poses. There are also classes for beginners, so you can learn as you go. You may check out your local assisted living center or senior center to get started. There are many advantages of yoga, including better stability and balance. It can also help you become more flexible and stronger, and many people feel calmer after participating in a session.
Build More Muscle
As you get older, you might not be as strong as you were in the past. It may seem unavoidable, but you can reduce the effects of aging by building muscle when you can. You could try strength training, which is easy to get started with. All you need is a couple of light weights, and you can then begin some basic exercises. You can find many workouts online, so try a few to mix up your activity routine. No matter your physical limitations, there is some strength training you can do. Even if you can’t stand or walk around, you can try working out your arm muscles while seated. You might try a leg workout with ankle weights. It helps you lift objects, walk, and stand.
Branch Out into Something New
Being active doesn’t mean you spend the entire day working out. Even doing something that gets you off of the couch and moving a little is beneficial. For example, you might decide to get more involved in your community by attending local events or volunteering. You’ll meet new people and do something meaningful. You could check out local schools, non-profits, libraries, or childcare facilities. You might consider starting a new hobby, like painting, cooking, or fishing. You don’t need special knowledge or skills for many of them, so pick one that makes you feel interested, so you’ll be motivated.
Want to know more?
There are still many ways to act against aging and gracefully go into the process. With the right lifestyle habits, you can turn back the clock, even as you approach your late 70s. Here are 6 ways seniors can reverse the aging process.
