Simple Ways Seniors Can Stay Active in the Winter
Exercise promotes health and well-being in people of all ages. Seniors who are physically active have stronger muscles and bones, feel more energized, and live longer. A well-planned workout routine makes it easier to maintain your weight and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Just because it’s cold outside, it doesn’t mean you should spend your days on the couch. From jogging to stretching and pilates, there are plenty of ways seniors can stay active during the winter. Check out these tips for inspiration:
Swimming
Join a local sports club with indoor pool. Most wellness centers offer water aerobics classes for all ages, so be sure to ask about it. Swimming, aqua yoga, and water exercises are mild on the joints and make it easy to stay active. If you’re on a tight budget, look for senior discounts.
Weight Training
Strength training is a vital component of many senior care plans. Lifting weights improves bone density, prevents muscle loss, and helps maintain low body fat levels. It also relieves stress and lifts your mood, leading to better memory, greater energy, and reduced depression risk.
Home Exercises
Seniors can stay active in the winter by working out at home. Depending ion your needs and fitness level, you can try bodyweight exercises, yoga, pilates, or strength training. Buy a set of dumbbells to do shoulder raises, chest flies, biceps curls, lunges, and squats.
Watch workout videos online to learn new exercises and lifting techniques. If you don’t have gym equipment, use water bottles instead of dumbbells. Triceps dips, push-ups, wall squats, leg stretches, and crunches require no special gear and can be done anywhere.
Outdoor Activities
Winter is the perfect time to exercise outdoors. Working out in the cold weather will boost your immune system and leave you energized. Just make sure you dress in layers and wear sunscreen. Play with your grandchildren in the snow, run around the house, and take long walks in the evening.
