by MARSHALL BONE
As we age, it becomes more important to stay healthy and active. This can be difficult, as many seniors find that joints and muscles are not as flexible as they used to be. However, there are many low impact activities that can help to keep you healthy for years to come! In this blog post, we will discuss the best low impact activities for seniors and tips for implementing them into your daily routine.
Let’s jump right in.
Are Low Impact Activities Still Effective?
First of all, many seniors assume that because an activity is low impact, it must not be effective. This could not be further from the truth! Low impact activities are often more gentle on your joints and muscles, but they can still provide a great workout. In fact, many seniors find that low impact activities are more comfortable and less likely to cause pain or injury than high-impact activities.
Just because the tempo or intensity of your workout has changed doesn’t mean it makes you any less healthy. In fact, daily activities are crucial as you age and great for your overall health!
With that out of the way, let’s discuss the best low impact activities for seniors.
Walking
Walking is a great low impact activity for seniors because it doesn’t put too much strain on the body, but it still provides a good workout. Walking is also a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. If you live in a rural area, consider walking around your neighborhood or taking a nature hike. If you live in an urban area, you could walk around your local park or take a walking tour of your city.
Swimming
Swimming is another great low impact activity for seniors. It provides a full-body workout and is also great for joints and muscles. Taking care of your joints is essential as you age, as they are more likely to become painful or injured. Swimming is also a great way to cool off on hot days!
If you don’t know how to swim, there are many classes available at your local gym or community center. Don’t be afraid to explore new areas in order to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility and balance. It’s also a great way to relax and de-stress. There are many different types of yoga, so you can find a class that’s right for your fitness level. If you’re new to yoga, there are many beginner classes available.
Many seniors think they can’t do yoga because they’re not flexible enough. However, you don’t need to be flexible to do yoga! Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility over time.
It’s an excellent low impact activity for seniors because it allows you to move at your own pace and focus on your breath, so don’t be afraid of breaking old habits and trying something new. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is yet another powerful exercise that focuses on breathing, flexibility, and balance. While it may look like a slow and gentle activity, tai chi is actually a great workout for your mind and body. It’s perfect for spontaneous workouts because it doesn’t require any special equipment.
You can join a tai chi class at your local gym or community center or find a park where people are practicing. Once you get the hang of it, you can even do tai chi in your living room.
Fishing
Is fishing an exercise? Well, it can be.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, fishing is a great low impact activity for seniors. It allows you to get some fresh air while getting a little bit of exercise.
Fishing is also very calming and a great way to unwind. If you live near a body of water, try going fishing once a week. You don’t need to catch anything to enjoy the benefits of this activity.
Low Impact Weightlifting
Low impact exercise isn’t all about cardio and breathwork. You can also do some weightlifting to improve your strength and bone density.
Weightlifting is a great way to stay active as you age. It’s essential to maintain your muscle mass as you get older because it helps with balance, coordination, and mobility. If you’re new to weightlifting, make sure you ease into it and start with lighter weights.
Final Thoughts
There are many different ways to stay active as a senior. The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and stick with it. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different options. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Some other low impact activities you may try are:
- Hiking
- Riding a bike
- Playing tennis
- Doing yard work
- Taking a dance class
- Playing golf
There is no shortage of activities you can do at any age. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to slow down. With a little bit of effort, you can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle well into your golden years.
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.
