Increase Your Mobility: 6 Ideas For Older Adults

 

Walking is an effective low-impact exercise that does not require equipment. You do not need to set long distances as your daily goals. To increase endurance, you can begin with something as simple as walking around your home during commercial breaks. Over time, you can build to walking around your yard, then eventually down your street. While walking around your home can be considered light activity, going for a brisk walk counts as moderate activity. The importance of walking is to stay active. Schedule an evening stroll after dinner with your family or meet a friend at the park for a morning walk. Your dog would love to walk with you at least once a day. Whether you choose to walk; inside your home in your neighborhood or out with friends, walking has many health benefits.

 

Tai Chi is an ancient form of martial arts that has been around since the 13th century. Over time it has evolved into a practice that is low impact with maximum benefits. Reports show that it promotes balance, improves mobility, and encourages relaxation in adults over 65. While recognized as a low-impact exercise, the benefits could include improved mood, energy, muscle strength, and stamina. Another plus is that Tai Chi does not require equipment and can be practiced almost anywhere, including outdoors.

 

Chair yoga is proven to help with pain and fatigue, but it can also help with balance and flexibility. This low-impact exercise can be beneficial for older adults who are not comfortable standing or struggle to exercise while standing. Chair yoga movement can be done in a chair; however, it can also be utilized while seated in a wheelchair. While there are a variety of classes offered often at senior centers, exercises can be accomplished in the comfort of home. You can also practice chair yoga while watching television as a way to fight a sedentary lifestyle.

 

Resistance band exercises help build strength in older adults. Using gentle resistance can be a safer approach to building strength; instead of trying to lift heavyweights. The benefits of using resistance bands are that they are inexpensive, easy to store, and are lightweight. It is an inventive way to build stronger muscles without putting additional pressure on your joints. There are many videos online that you can do from the comfort of your living room. Keep in mind that resistance bands sold in different colors are categorized by various resistance levels. Doctors recommend starting with light resistance and eventually building towards a heavier resistance band as you gain strength.  

 

The Mayo Clinic reports that stretching helps improve joint range of motion, improves physical performance, and can decrease the risk of injury. There are programs such as Silver Sneakers that offer online classes for older adults. Exercise practices such as Yoga, Pilates, or a series of exercises at home integrate stretching. The benefits of stretching allow for increased joint mobility and can also improve posture. Increasing flexibility is a positive addition to an exercise plan that also includes strength and balance training.

 

There is something to be said about the benefits of community. Choosing to move into an assisted living home can increase your socialization, improve your nutrition, and incorporate your physical activity into each day. While enjoying organized outings, you can achieve your daily activity goals while enjoying the sunshine with friends. You can promise to meet up at the daily exercise class. Laughing while spending time with your peers can make those exercises effortless and more enjoyable. Are you wondering if it is time to consider a senior living community?