Can Exercise Keep You Young?

As we age, it’s natural to slow down a bit. Your body simply doesn’t move the way it once did, and with afflictions such as arthritis, bad backs and knees, and osteoporosis, it can be hard to get motivated for any kind of exercise. However, that’s precisely why you need to get up and get active.

Always consult with your doctor or health professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, like starting a new diet or exercise regimen.

Health Benefits

Studies show that regular exercise offers several health benefits for older adults, improving the overall health of those who are frail or who suffer from disease, according to NIH Senior Health. Regular exercise can help you reduce your risk for arthritis, heart disease and diabetes as well as keep your blood pressure down and help with balance. On the other hand, spending all your time on the couch can lead to an increase in doctor visits and hospitalizations, stress and depression. There’s an easy way to combat all that: stay young with exercise.

Senior Living Poses Opportunities for Physical Fitness

Senior retirement living can provide more chances to incorporate new physical activity routines into your day because you are surrounded by like-minded adults who share your interests as well as your age. As such, you’ll often find organized exercise groups within senior living communities that meet regularly to boost fitness and make it fun. There are plenty of opportunities to stay active within these settings. Here are a few:

Group Exercise Classes

Senior living communities often post calendars each month chock full of fun group classes that you can sign up for to get active with your peers. Group settings tend to be motivational in nature, as you are spurred on by the energy around you. Opt for low-impact exercises, such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi, resistance band training, and aerobics classes for safer fitness opportunities.

Get Dancing

Fitness doesn’t have to be strictly about traditional exercise. Anything that gets your heart rate up counts! That includes line dancing, ballroom and salsa dancing, and even belly dancing. Grab a partner and get out on the dance floor. You’ll not only burn some calories, you’ll also have a ton of fun meeting new people: a double win. 

Challenges

It can be hard to motivate yourself to lose weight and keep your muscles toned. That’s why many senior retirement living communities make it hard to resist the prospect through various weight loss and fitness challenges. Not only can you compete against your peers regarding weight loss, but you can also track your progress and see how far you’ve come for a truly inspirational fitness routine.  

Take the Stairs

You can fit exercise into many aspects of your daily life without even trying too hard. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs. Instead of parking next to the store, park further out and take the opportunity to get in a little stroll. Go for a walk around the complex or neighborhood with a friend after dinner. Walk the dog twice a day, or do some gardening when the weather is nice. You will get the most health benefits when you couple these everyday activities with regular strength training and aerobic workouts. 

Your retirement years are meant to be lived to the fullest. Give yourself the opportunity to thrive and grow during this time of your life and check out what the senior living communities of Concordia can offer you. With senior living communities and retirement apartments throughout Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, you are sure to find the perfect location. Retire in comfort and style, contact Concordia today!

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