Table of Contents
There is no doubting that as people age, they become more likely to experience a variety of health problems. These can range from injuries, to cancer, to vision problems and everything in between. As a result, it is incredibly important to seniors to stay as healthy as possible. Best Fitness Plans for Senior Years-
A big part of staying healthy is having the right health insurance plan to ensure you can afford all of the healthcare and services that you need. For millions of American seniors, a Medicare Supplement plan is the preferred choice.
However, another great way to stay healthy as a senior is to stay active. Unfortunately, many seniors aren’t as active as they could be. While you likely won’t be running marathons or breaking the bench-press world record, there are indeed some great ways out there for seniors to stay active and remain fit and healthy. Doing this can help you feel better, look better and even possibly live longer.
Without any further ado, this article is going to look at some great tips when it comes to staying active as a senior citizen.
Find Activities You Enjoy
Everyone knows they should be healthy, but it is a lot easier said than done. Especially as we age, the last thing most of us want to do is go and work out. Many find it boring, get frustrated or simply don’t have the motivation to get up off the couch. As a result, you need to be sure to find activities you enjoy. If you like something, you will be more likely to do it, even if it is physically demanding.
This could be going for nature walks, playing some lawn bowling, swimming or even playing a sport. The key here is to find something that gets you moving that doesn’t feel like a chore, but is an enjoyable experience. There is no right or wrong answer, as long as you are staying active.
Start Slowly and Small
When you are just starting out your fitness journey as a senior, it is important to start slowly. If you dive right in with two feet, there is a good chance you could hurt yourself, potentially badly. This will delay your fitness journey, and could put you out of commission for weeks or months depending on what you injured.
Start with tasks or weight that you know you can handle, and work on good technique and body mechanics. This goes for lifting, jogging, playing sports or even simply going for long walks. Over time, as your strength, technique or skills become better, you will be able to up the intensity. Be sure to take adequate rest breaks and days off as well, as overworking yourself can also be another way that you could get hurt.
Always Check With Your Doctor
Of course, before starting any fitness journey as a senior citizen, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor. They will be sure to let you know not only if it is safe, but also give you some tips to make sure you are doing things in the correct manner.
Your doctor might even be able to help you come up with a plan from scratch. They will know what you can and can’t do, and could help you decide on some activities or exercises that would be beneficial to your health and fitness.
If you don’t consult with your doctor first, you could end up injuring yourself, or worsening your condition in some other way. No matter how large or small your planned psychical activity is, checking with a doctor or specialist ahead of time is always a good idea. They will know what’s best for you and the health of your body and mind.
Make it Social
Many seniors live a fairly isolated life and likely don’t have as many social opportunities as they once did. If you can make exercising a social experience, it will not only keep you healthy, but also help you strengthen relationships and potentially even make friends. Doing activities with other people can also be a strong motivator, and can get you out and active as you actually have some people to do it with.
This could be anything from a nice walk, to an organized sport or anything in between. If you have people waiting for you, there is a lower chance you will stand them up and cancel if you don’t feel like working out. Accountability is a big part of developing a fitness plan, and having others keeping you accountable is always a good idea.
In conclusion, the information in this article will be able to help you stay fit and active well beyond your 60s!
