Retirement isn’t just for knitting and playing cards. And the more active you can be, the better you’ll age.
“Staying active is essential for seniors to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. When seniors incorporate exercise into their daily routines, it can help seniors live longer, more fulfilled lives,” says Maquita Sellers, director of GoodLife Fitness at Arbor Rose Assisted Living.
To help you stay active, Sellers shares some four ways for seniors to get active, and stay active.
1. Look for activities you enjoy
Start small and try to build exercise into your normal activities. You don’t have to buy expensive equipment or join a gym to increase your daily activity.
Instead, do some light stretching while watching TV, or walk around the block with some friends.
> Related: 5 Fun Exercises for Seniors
2. Try a smart watch
A smart watch can be a great option for seniors who want something to remind them to take medicine, monitor their steps or track their daily activities.
Some smart watches even have the ability to detect when you’ve fallen and call for assistance.
3. Make it social
If you’re having trouble finding motivation, try exercising with friends.
Having a workout buddy will keep you accountable for your goals while having fun and building relationships. You can also make new friends by joining in a local walking group, joining a yoga studio or attending classes at your senior center.
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4. Boost your brain
While you exercise, try simple tasks like counting your repetitions out loud, singing along to music or doing word puzzles/brain games if you’re doing stationary exercise.
This will increase blood flow to the brain and stimulate your mind during exercise.