Staying active is crucial at any age in life, but it’s especially important for seniors to make an effort to stay in shape as they get older. Older adults are at higher risk of many ailments and physical issues. Remaining active can help minimize these risks and enable them to live long, healthy lives.
Staying in shape doesn’t have to demand a lot of time or effort. Here are some simple ways to stay in shape after retirement, whether you’re living on your own or taking advantage of assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Walk Every Day
Many people equate fitness with intense workout classes or hours spent pumping iron in the gym. But one of the most effective ways for seniors to stay in shape is simply walking. Going for a walk every day offers endless health and wellness benefits, including:
- Improved circulation
- Increased bone density
- Improved muscle strength and coordination
- Disease prevention
In addition to these perks, walking has mental health benefits like boosting mood and enhancing clarity of thought. Seniors who walk daily are more likely to live longer and stay capable.
Find an Active Hobby
Retirement is the ideal time for seniors to explore new interests, and finding a hobby that promotes physical activity is like killing two health-related birds with one stone.
Examples of active hobbies include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Golfing
- Yoga or tai chi
- Volunteering for public service
Active hobbies make exercise more fun, and seniors are more likely to stick with pastimes they actually enjoy.
Make Exercise Social
Getting your daily exercise in doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. There are plenty of ways for seniors to make exercise social, from participating in clubs to signing up for group exercise classes to simply joining a friend for a rousing game of pickleball.
Adding a social element to exercise increases its benefits even more, as it allows seniors to get the social interaction they need.
Staying in Shape in Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Seniors have many excellent options when it comes to staying in shape in assisted or independent living in St. Petersburg, Florida. No matter how fit, strong, or mobile you are, there are always opportunities to stay active and in shape. With some creative thinking and a little effort, older adults can stay active — and therefore healthy — through retirement and well into their later years.
