How can elders stay healthy and fit?

The benefits of exercise and active movement are more important in the case of elder people.

Although the popular saying goes ‘Age is just a number,’ the truth is that the older we get, the more we lose our energy, vitality, movement, and pace that keeps us going when we are younger. The reason that happens is because people often vacate their active and healthy lifestyle a long time before they actually start ageing.

Because of this, they start experiencing several health concerns and issues, including difficulties in movement, lack energy and become dependent on others. This can be averted with the help of active ageing which allows an elder person to practice fitness and restore some of that lost energy, vitality, and ability to carry out regular tasks.

Active ageing is paying attention to health and well-being, and embracing an active lifestyle that keeps us strong, fit, and independent. Here’s how elders can take part in active ageing:

Going for a walk

The best first step that any elder can take is to make the habit of going for a walk on a daily basis. Walking is an outstanding low-impact exercise that boosts heart health, improves blood circulation, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Moreover, it is a low-impact exercise which means that it isn’t taxing on the bones and joints. Visiting a nearby park or walking in the midst of nature can also help the mind and build stamina.

Strength training exercises are necessary

Elders often neglect strength training exercises since they think it is meant for young people. That is not necessarily true as strength training is mandatory in order to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and balance and coordination, all of which older people start losing after a point. Simple bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups are enough to help one stay active.

Healthy and balanced meals regularly

Eating light, healthy and homemade meals is all the more important during old age. The body needs proper nutrition and it’s important to include leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, and dairy products in adequate quantities to meet your daily macro and micro nutrient needs.

Bone friendly workouts

Joint issues and arthritis are common among people with old age. In order to combat them, people can often engage in water-based exercises like aqua aerobics, swimming, and water walking. These can help alleviate joint pain. Water sports are a great way to increase flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.

Chair exercises to promote mobility

Senior citizens who struggle with mobility often find attending to fitness a challenge. Chair exercises can come in handy as they are a convenient and effective way to strengthen muscles, improve blood circulation and stay fit. They often include a wide variety of shoulder and leg movements to promote muscle relaxation, movements, and stimulation.