Whether you’re aged twenty or eighty years old, able-bodied or immobile, exercising is incredibly important for the mind and body. Let’s talk about how regular, daily exercise affects the body, and list some good movements people can try at their appropriate ability level.
Physically
Moving your body daily is like keeping the oil running through a car–it lubricates your joints with nutrients and hydration and keeps oxygen flowing through your muscles to keep them in good functioning condition. The less your muscles are used, the stiffer they become, which decreases mobility and may even increase or cause pain.
Emotionally
When we increase our heart rate by moving, the body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that tell our brain we’re feeling good. This increases happiness and feelings of satisfaction.
Exercise can give a real sense of purpose and productivity to one’s life, which is very important for seniors who are retired, live alone, or generally not very active in their lives.
Exercise for seniors is also a fun activity to do with others, whether one-on-one or in a group. This not only makes the activity more enjoyable and less daunting ( the word “exercise” sends shivers up some people’s spine!), but exercising with other people supplies us with valuable social interaction–something many seniors do not get enough of.
Examples of Activities
Any type of activity can be turned into an exercise: lifting things at the grocery store, walking to the car or just down a hallway. Try to fit in some extra movement throughout the day.
Tai Chi can be a great thing to try for those seniors who are able to stand (this can also be done from a chair). It is very low impact, and creates relaxing and reflecting time while also working on movement, control and flexibility.
Weight training at each person’s perfect level. Whether you can lift one pound or twenty, light weight training exercises on a daily basis are a great way to keep muscles strong and functioning.
Elastic band exercises are a great activity to try for all levels of ability. You can obtain one from your senior’s physical therapist or physician, or find a low cost option at a drugstore. They come in all types of thickness and resistance to match anyone’s ability level. Check out WebMD’s list of suggested elastic band and soup can exercises here,
Don’t underestimate the power of chair exercises! Remember that all exercise is done at your own level and can be as rigorous–or as light–as you make it. I encourage everyone to push themselves a little bit past what is comfortable, but not to any point that causes pain. If you’re out of breath, a little bit sweaty–that’s good! That means your heart is working and your muscles are moving, one very important way to keep your mind and body strong.