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Posted on September 8, 2020 by Christine Crosby in aging, exercise, seniors

5 Ways to Maintain Active Lifestyle for Seniors


5 Ways to Maintain Active Lifestyle for Seniors

As people age, they begin to slow down and rarely participate in outdoor activities. Nonetheless, maintaining an active lifestyle is a critical aspect for everyone. It’s associated with numerous perks, for both the young and the old. Although there are various activities for seniors, it’s advisable to use the right technology to help yourself. A perfect example is the assisted living software. It informs you of the daily activities, centralizes calendars, and gathers critical points automatically.

 Here are ways to stay active for older persons:

 Participate in household chores

seniorsThere are various tasks that you can perform at home to keep your body and mind engaged. List down everyday chores and pick ones that you enjoy. These may include cleaning, sweeping, washing dishes, dusting, and laundry. Gardening is also a great idea. A garden is easy to maintain and doesn’t require a lot of experience. What’s more? It will keep you busy and will ensure a constant supply of nutritious fruits and vegetables.

You can also grow herbs that you can use to season your dishes, which ensures a healthy diet. They will also help you limit the use of food additives, which are not very good for your health. Spending time with your grandkids in various fun activities could be another great option. Gardening with your kids is an excellent way of bonding with family members. 

 Take daily walks

Walking keeps you fit and active. It can jumpstart your metabolism and boost your energy, especially when you do it in the morning. There are also many other outdoor activities that you can participate in. These include trips to local museums, camping, and more. They will allow you to socialize with others and have fun away from home. However, seek support when walking in the neighborhood exercising at home. 

You can find great volunteering opportunities at Senior Corps, Habitat for Humanity, United Service Organizations, and the Red Cross.

When at home or visiting the malls, use the stairs instead of the lift or escalators has many health benefits. It helps strengthen your bones and helps in weight loss. Climbing the stairs will also boost your stamina and tone your muscles. It will improve your heart health and help regulate your blood pressure. If the stairs are too many, take breaks as you walk.

 Participate in brain-boosting activities

seniorsLiving an active lifestyle isn’t just about exercising or physical activities. It also involves caring for your mental health. Stress and anxiety can negatively impact your health and increase your risk of depression, obesity, and many other health issues. Clear your mind each day by participating in activities like; playing cards, listening to music, watching fun movies, playing online games, or working in your garden.

Learn a new skill/ Share skills

Being outdoors and socializing with others is very important for the elderly. Enroll in part-time classes such as art, music, cooking, language, dance, or music. Learning new skills will enhance your creativity and allow you to interact more with others. This way, you’ll boost your quality of life and feel better about yourself.

Moreover, share your skills through teaching. If you have special skills or knowledge, volunteer to share it with others through teaching. Research on the teaching requirements in your state and your eligibility before you start. You can teach skills that include cooking, music, dance, yoga, boxing, sewing, etc.

 Volunteer/Participate in community events

Engaging in community events allows you to meet new people and acquire a new passion. Volunteer in activities that you enjoy, and this will make life more meaningful. You can find great volunteering opportunities at Senior Corps, Habitat for Humanity, United Service Organizations, and the Red Cross. You can also volunteer in schools, libraries, children’s homes, and nonprofits near you.

 Final thoughts

There are various activities you can engage in to stay active. Choose what you enjoy and keep discovering new hobbies. If engaging in outdoor activities, don’t overdo strenuous exercises. This way, you’ll avoid injuries, stay safe, and have fun.

 

Christine Crosby

About the author

Christine is the co-founder and editorial director for GRAND Magazine. She is the grandmother of five and great-grandmom (aka Grandmere) to one. She makes her home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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