The Best Exercises for Seniors

Exercises for seniors are very important as we age. Most people know that exercise is an important aspect of healthy living, but as we grow older, it becomes essential. Seniors who stay active are happier, healthier, and have a decreased risk of experiencing a fall later in life. 
To help you get started on your fitness journey, we’ve outlined a few of our favorite senior-friendly exercises. Just remember to bring along your medical alert system.

Bodies become weaker as they age, and this increases the likelihood of experiencing an injury. Older men and women are at significant risk to falling. The danger is compounded by impaired balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. Oftentimes, these impairments are the result of health concerns that can easily be improved or corrected with simple regular exercise.

Strength training is among the most important exercises for seniors. This type of exercise helps to improve balance and flexibility, which has a direct correlation in reducing the likelihood and severity of falls. These exercises will also improve your reflexes to help you maintain your balance after a stumble.

Similarly, walking can dramatically improve your health and decrease the likelihood of a fall. By walking 30-50 minutes 3 times a week, women above the age of 60 can improve blood flow to their brain by 15%. Increased blood flow in your brain can improve memory and cognitive functions. Walking only requires a comfortable pair of shoes, yet the benefits are nearly endless. In addition to building up physical and mental strength, it and improves your metabolism and increases energy levels.

Walking may be a low-impact exercise, but underwater aerobics is a zero-impact activity. This is an ideal option for people who experience bone and joint issues.

Many believe lifting weights is solely an exercise for pumping up your biceps. But in addition to improving muscular strength, it can increase your bone strength. Dumbbell flies and curls will give you the strength you haven’t had in years and keep your bones strong and healthy.

Many of these senior-friendly exercises can help reduce high blood pressure. Exercising and lowering your blood pressure will also reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack, and risk of coronary heart disease. 

Many of us lack the motivation and self-discipline to get the exercise we need. If you have a friend or family member who is interested in exercise, make it a group event! The best motivators are your peers. If you don’t like the idea of pumping iron or walking outside, give yoga a try. Yoga is relaxing and provides a great workout. You’ll find yourself becoming stronger and having improved balance. If you’re worried about the physical impacts of traditional exercise, try out water aerobics. The water’s warm!

If you don't want to spend hours of your free time at the gym, there are several ways to improve your fitness through fun, accessible exercises for seniors. You can both protect yourself from falls and get the most out of life. Just remember to keep your medical alert system close. While the exercises we’ve recommended are all slow, safe, and low impact, you never know when an emergency could strike.