Physical Activities for Seniors: How Much Is Enough?
Exercise plays an important role for individual health no matter your age. Everyone needs the right amount of movement in order to be strong, healthy, and to have the ability to be active. The right kind of physical activity varies by age and individual health goals/ needs. The older you get, the more exercise is about maintaining the function of muscles, joins, and bones as well as the immune system. So, what should you be doing to achieve mature fitness?
Mature Fitness
Mature fitness focuses largely on moderate and gentle, less intense, aerobic activity in order to support heart health, brain function and to maintain muscle mass and range of motion. Not only do these fitness focusses help you to remain healthy but they also allow you to live the quality of life that you desire. So how much exercise is enough?
Physical activity guidelines suggest 150 minutes of moderate to intense exercise daily or 75 minutes of vigorous to intense exercise. Additionally, 2 days of strength training is recommended in order to maintain muscle mass. For adults over 65, balance exercises, such as weight shifts, balancing on one leg, step-ups, marching, bicep curls, heel-to-toe walking, and Tai Chi are suggested.
Exercise Activities
When choosing exercise activities, remember that there are a wide range of appropriate choices, including:
- Light to moderate walking
- Light jogging
- Water aerobics
- Swimming
- Strength training
- Flexibility training
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Recreational or recumbent biking
- Recreational sports, including bocce ball and croquet
- Low impact fitness classes like Zumba or jazzercise
- Household chores (yes- even sweeping and mopping are moving your body!)
Moving is critical to maintaining your physical health and wellness. Keep your muscles and joints loose and counter the effects of prolonged sitting or inactivity. Promote blood flow to critical organs, such as your heart, brain, and muscles.
Considerations
When choosing the activities that are best for you, remember that every body is different. Your personal plan should consider your:
- Health situation
- Fitness level
- Abilities
- Lifestyle and values
- Weight management needs
- Diet
Set goals that are all inclusive of your body’s well being and overall, rather than general, health and then work hard to achieve those goals!
Larkspur and You!
At Larkspur, we believe that you should Live Well! We offer recreation and physical activity opportunities in our so that our community is well cared for with the opportunity to live well. The community of Pearland, TX has 175 acres of parkland and offers beautiful, friendly spaces for jogging, walking, riding bikes, and playing sports. There are even dog parks so that you are able to offer healthy spaces for your furbaby to be healthy as well. At Larkspur, our apartments and rentals are designed with your health and wellness in mind. Our amenities are designed with you and your active lifestyle in mind. Visit our website at https://www.larkspuratshadowcreek.com/ or call us today at 713-436-7000 so that we can help you get achieve your goals for health and wellness!