The Best Exercises for Older Adults

While we know exercise is good for us, certain ailments can make it more challenging for some seniors. However you may want to be mindful of advice from the Harvard Medical School that says, “Regular exercise promotes an older adult’s ability to walk, bathe, cook, eat, dress, and use the restroom. If self-reliance is a priority, exercise is one of the best ways to maintain independence for older adults.” In fact study after study has found exercise offers older adults a longer, healthier, and happy life; but before you begin, please check with your doctor on the best ones for your level of fitness.   

Low impact exercises such as water aerobics and chair yoga are especially good for seniors as they offer lots of benefits and are easy on the body. With water aerobics, the natural buoyancy of the water puts less stress on the joints and it can improve balance, flexibility and strength. Chair yoga puts less stress on the body than regular yoga and can easily being adjusted to the level of fitness for each person. It too offers many of the same benefits as water aerobics. 

An easy to start exercise that doesn’t require special equipment or skills is walking. While it can be done almost anywhere, studies have found walking on a nature trail offers physical exercise as well as a calming influence to the spirit. Another good exercise for seniors is Tai chi. According to the Harvard Medical School, it is shown to “strengthen the heart, improve balance and flexibility, slow the onset of dementia, reduces stress, lower blood pressure, and relieves the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and more.” Other exercises for older adults include using resistance bands or doing Pilates to develop core strength and improve balance and flexibility.  

The new MorningStar at Silver Lake offers adults 55+ a vibrant and carefree lifestyle where they can comfortably and safely age in place. Our community provides independent living and assisted living with private apartments in a choice of studio and one- and two bedroom configurations. Along with independent living and assisted living, Everett’s MorningStar at Silver Lake offers respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Visit our website for further information, and to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Source:

health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/an-introduction-to-tai-chi-ecourse-nov2019-test?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EL20210522-TaiChi&utm_id=2955272&dlv-emuid=33b2f11b-97ca-447f-ab66-cfb4e7a55fa7&dlv-mlid=2955272