Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Aging
Keep in mind, some physical activity is better than none at all. Your health benefits will also increase with the more physical activity that you do.
Adults aged 65 and older need:
- At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running.
- At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.
- Activities to improve balance such as standing on one foot about 3 days a week.
Balance and physical activities are essential in preventing falls
If chronic conditions affect your ability to meet these recommendations, be as physically active as your abilities and conditions allow.
Restorative or Modified Yoga
Is beneficial for stability, flexibility, and balance. Restorative yoga can help improve flexibility and strength. Chair yoga offers an alternative for people who are unable to get up and down from the floor. It is also a great way to include people who use a wheelchair.
Aquatic Aerobics
Water’s buoyancy creates less impact on bones and joints, making aquatic aerobics a good alternative for older adults with arthritis, sore joints, or people with bone and joint injuries, who must get 150 minutes of weekly moderate activity.
Functional fitness
As we get older it is imperative as older adults that we do not lose our independence because of a reduced ability to perform movements like sitting in or getting up from a chair, or being able to reach food on the top shelf. That’s why Caring Neighbors is offering classes focused on strengthening the muscles and coordination required to perform these daily activities.
Fall Prevention
Balance and physical activities are essential in preventing falls, a leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injury in older adults. Offering classes focused on both activity and non-activity-based aspects of preventing falls will help us all improve strength and coordination. You can find more information about different fall prevention programs on the National Council on Aging’s website.
Many older adults don’t receive the amount of social interaction we all need. Partner or Line Dancing is a great way to provide that in the midst of a fun, engaging aerobic workout.
Nutrition for Healthy Aging
As people age, their risk for nutritional deficiencies can change, too. For example, older adults are at greater risk for dehydration and inadequate protein and fiber intake. Have an outside nutrition expert—or a staff dietitian—host classes that provide older adults with the dietary information they need to eat healthy.
Tai Chi
Is a relaxing, low-impact form of exercise. Studies show it helps improve sleep quality, muscle strength, balance, and flexibility—all of which can help older adults maintain their health and independence.
For more information please contact our office by phone or check out the Leisurely News for upcoming wellness activities including walks, yoga and other physical activity events.
If you would like more information about Caring Neighbors visit the Caring Neighbors News website.
