It’s true that staying active and fit can be a little more complicated when you get older, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. You can still enjoy your favorite activities, just differently. To do that, you need to find activities that work for your body’s changing needs.
Of course, it’s not a surprise that you have different needs as you get older. Running around and riding your bike is an excellent exercise if you’re a kid. As an adult, those activities become a little more difficult because the way your joints work and slow reflexes make it harder to avoid obstacles outside or inside. But there are still ways for you to get in a good workout and have fun simultaneously. Here’s how:
1. Walk a little more
Most people take walking for granted — it’s easy, doesn’t require any equipment, and everyone’s been doing it since childhood. But as you get older, walking can become difficult because of tight joints and a slower pace. But there are many ways you can work walking into your routine so that it’s easier and more enjoyable.
So, wear your supportive shoes with good traction, especially when going up or downstairs. And when going upstairs, take one step at a time instead of two to reduce the impact on your knees.
2. Try new things — you might find something you love
Do you love to play sports? If so, you might not be able to participate in your favorite team sports anymore because of a lack of speed and agility. But many options will allow you to have fun still while being active, such as bowling or cycling classes.
And if you prefer solo activities, try going swimming. It can be a great way to get in shape while relaxing simultaneously. But if you’ve used an assisted living placement agency and live together with other seniors, you may want to try new things with them. It’s a great way to stay fit while having fun!
3. Spread out your workout
Instead of going for a run or hitting the weight room, try a series of short workouts throughout the day. That will help you slowly increase your overall activity level without feeling overwhelmed by a big commitment.
So, walk up the stairs to your floor every day, or get off the bus before you actually have to and walk instead. This way, you can squeeze in a few minutes of exercise. But if that’s too hard on your joints, start simple — walk around your neighborhood in the afternoons. You’ll get more exercise, which is always a good thing.
4. Find new friends
It’s easy to hang out with people with similar interests and fitness levels as you when you get older because there are many seniors’ sports leagues and senior fitness classes out there. But don’t be afraid to branch out a little!
You might find that you have more in common with people who do different activities than you. And it can be a lot of fun to learn something new with someone else because you can encourage one another and share your favorite parts of the activity after.
5. Prepare for emergencies
Bad things can happen more quickly when you’re older — sprained ankles are common because of foot drop, for example. So, it’s crucial never to neglect preventive care so that you can avoid serious injuries when you’re older.
So, it’s important to remember that you should always warm-up before exercising and cool down afterward when you get older. It would help if you also stretched in between so that your muscles stay loose and limber. Keeping your body fit in your old age will give you more energy and help prevent injury so you can live a longer, happier life.
6. Do the things you love
For the most important part, don’t forget to do the activities you love. You may not be able to go on long bike rides or play full basketball games anymore, but there are many options out there, like swimming or walking, that you can still do.
And if those aren’t your cup of tea, there are lots more ideas out there, so don’t forget to try new things and stay active. Always keep in mind that no one is too old to get out there and have fun. So, take this as a sign to get back to your passions and rekindle the flame.
Remember these tips and tricks when you want to stay fit and active in your senior years — and don’t forget to enjoy yourself! These activities should be fun first and foremost; if they’re not, then there’s no point in doing them. So make sure that you enjoy yourself while exercising or playing sports.
