Senior Fitness
Staying fit and mobile plays a large role in
senior health. It's not always easy to maintain fitness levels as we
age. Naturally, our bodies change, but we don't want them becoming immobile!
Here are some tips to make your senior years more enjoyable and fit.
As much as possible, continue doing your daily living tasks. Taking a bath, even
if it's just a sponge bath, gives your arms a mini-workout. You're bending and
keeping flexible, which is vital for proper joint health.
Cooking involves peeling vegetables, some walking, bending to reach pots and
pans. Don't fret that you may not be able to do all grocery shopping by
yourself. As long as you can continue cooking at home, this allows more chance
for movement.
So, we're continuing our daily tasks, and now it's time to consider some
specific exercise.
Golfing provides fun, a chance for walking, bending, and maintaining
flexibility. Even miniature golf allows for some of these tasks, so join the
grandkids if you can.
Perhaps getting out to a golf course isn't possible for you right now. Buy one
of those mini-putting greens you can use indoors. Even these will improve your
ability to move more freely.
Several times a day, make it a point to stop and work on a flexibility exercise.
For instance, stretch your legs while sitting in the recliner. Do five or six
mini leg lifts or stretch your arms over your head and hold them there for a
count of ten. All activity, even simple ones, increases your ability to move
freely and with less pain.
Check with your doctor about the exercises he or she suggests. You may be asked
to visit a physical therapist who will work with you on improving your fitness.
Therapists have some fun ideas on staying fitter – simple games you can play in
your home with your grandkids, like batting a balloon back and forth with a
plastic racket. You'll find yourself enjoying the exercise even more with your
children around!
By making a simple choice each day of staying mobile as much as possible, you
increase your chances of living a more independent life.
About The Author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville, TN.
Visit
http://www.popular-diets.com/ for more great nutrition, well-being, and
vitamin tips as well as reviews and comments on popular diets.
