After years of working outside the home, it’s mighty tempting for seniors to sit in a comfy recliner and watch daytime TV, rather than pursuing regular exercise. However, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to health challenges, such as falls due to lack of balance and broken bones resulting from loss of bone density.

Best Exercises for Seniors

Doctors recommend walking above all types of exercise. It is a low-impact exercise that is easy to start and rewarding to continue. If you aren’t excited about walking alone, enlist a friend or family member as your walking buddy.

You’ll need a comfortable pair of quality walking shoes. Begin slowly and increase your walking practice to about 30 minutes, three times per week. If you’re not enchanted with the great outdoors, check with your local senior center and YMCA. Most have indoor tracks.

Swimming is another low-impact exercise that seniors will find beneficial. You’ll get a total body workout as swimming exercises each muscle group. The gentle resistance and buoyancy of water help decrease muscle and joint pain. Swimming is also an insanely simple way to lose weight.

Australian researchers conducted a study in September 2014, which suggests that swimming is unique for seniors, as it is the sole exercise that can reduce their risk of falls.

Tai Chi is frequently referred to as “moving meditation”.  Originally, it was a martial art in China, which has developed into an easy, effective exercise.

For senior practitioners, Tai Chi: promotes healthy sleep, fosters physical balance, lowers and regulates blood sugar levels, enhances circulation, lessens chronic pain, soothes stress, increases bone density and more.

You won’t need special clothing. Just wear something loose and comfortable. It’s ideal to join a Tai Chi class for seniors. An experienced instructor will monitor your movements for correctness.

Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Seniors who exercise on a regular basis find: they are experiencing a better quality of life, feel more energetic, chronic pain improved and enjoy a greater level of self-confidence. They like connecting with other seniors in exercise classes.

Studies are finding that seniors who exercise:  retain more cognitive abilities, remain alert and boost metabolism.

It also helps people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by enhancing memory.

Final Words

Exercise gives seniors an uplifting effect, like chocolate.