Activities for Seniors Should Aim for Physical Fitness

Even before you reach the age of 40, your body starts to experience all sorts of problems. Senior citizens so much more help and attention to keep their bodies fit, healthy and free from disease. It is important to focus on physical fitness as one of the mainstays of activities for the elderly. Here are some proven guidelines that boost wellness and life.

The Right Exercises

The right exercises should always rely on the senior's personal capacity and current condition. It is best to have a physical check up and thorough assessment to make sure that the activities can be well-tolerated and complications are avoided. Seniors who have been sedentary for several years or months need to break into an exercise program or regime slowly. A physical therapist can best provide the right movements and warm up techniques that will stabilize joints and strengthen muscles. 

Seniors are not advised to immediately join group sports or enter a weight training program without warming up their muscles well. They should check how their body responds to various movements first, before embarking on any strenuous exercise. You should also get enough nutrition rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates for fast recovery and optimum resistance. Sleep adequately days before your first exercise routine to gather strength and stick to the program longer. 

What a Typical Program Consists Of

The regular program includes physical fitness exercises, complete with the right equipment, trainers and machines. The elderly may be placed on exercise machines like stationary bicycles, treadmills, elliptical trainers and the like. They may also be asked to walk around the senior center grounds. Those who are more capable can try mild jogging. There are classes as well held on schedule which includes yoga, aerobics, martial arts, tai chi, etc. Seniors may join these programs as they please. Sessions are typical 2 to 3 times per week.

There are also therapeutic sessions where individuals are gathered into groups to communicate, play games and share their experiences. This is a good opportunity for seniors to discuss their concerns and current conditions and problems, if they have any. Seniors will be formed into pairs or groups as well, depending on their preference.

Objectives of the Exercises

Exercises are provided to senior citizens to attain the following: flexibility, strength, balance and endurance. Stretching exercises greatly boost flexibility, which can prevent injury should seniors fall or trip. To enhance endurance, seniors can do cardiovascular activities like running, jogging, walking or bicycling to get their heart rate up. This is especially good for lowering cholesterol levels, stress and blood pressure. 

To enhance strength, weight training exercises may be provided according to the physical capacities of seniors to minimize pains and aches. Balancing is highly important for elder individuals to prevent accidents. There are balancing exercises like walking with eyes closed, lifting one leg up, etc. These can minimize the occurrence of falls.

More Benefits

There are several benefits that you can get from activities for seniors. These can reduce depression and stress, lower risk for heart and cardiovascular ailments, boost flexibility, reduce diabetes, produce endorphins that make people feel better, prevent disease, maintain the ability to do various activities and enhances range of motion.

The advantages among individuals may differ, depending on their age, response to the activity and current condition. Overall, physical activity always renders positive results.
