Taking care of your health is crucial at any age, but it becomes increasingly important as you age.
Improving your health through regular exercise is very important for people aged 65 and older because maintaining a healthy body and strong immune system prevents small health problems, like colds or the flu, from becoming serious health risks, amongst a myriad of other benefits.
However, safety must be a significant focus for seniors who are exercising.
First, seniors should always follow the advice of their physician regarding the duration and intensity of which they can exercise. Additionally, gadgets are available, like a fall alarm which are pivotal for ensuring help is available in case of a fall.
Physical activity can help seniors maintain good mental and physical health, so read below to learn how senior citizens can exercise safely.
Why is Exercise Crucial for Seniors?
Your lifespan and quality of life can both be increased through regular exercise.
Additionally, regular exercise can promote independence while aging.
The benefits of exercise for seniors include:
- Reduced likelihood of cognitive issues, like memory loss.
- A more positive mindset mind and reduced
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved balance and mobility that protects you from injuries and falls.
- A stronger immune system
- Lowered risk of chronic health diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
5 Exercise Safety Guidelines for Seniors
Here are 5 safety tips for seniors who want to begin exercising:
Pay attention to your surroundings.
Older adults should always be aware of their surroundings when exercising to maximize safety. An older person with eyesight or hearing impairments should avoid exercising alone or without another healthy adult present.
Follow the advice of your physician or doctor.
Modifying workouts for older adults could be necessary to lower the danger of injuries and strains. However, completely altering the movement can raise safety concerns.
When making adjustments to suggested workouts, speak with your doctor first to determine which motions are safe and which could increase the risk of injury.
Know your body limits before exercising.
One may strain or break a bone if one pushes themselves too hard. You should be conscious of the limitations of your body and make an effort to respect them.
Wear the proper gear.
Shoes that are too small, loose clothes, and tight exercise gear can all be dangerous.
For instance, the odds of falling and fracturing a bone or suffering a head injury may increase if your shoes don’t fit.
So, find a pair of shoes that fits your exercise type and foot size.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Seniors are more susceptible to heat-related health issues such as heat stroke and may experience safety hazards due to dehydration while exercising.
Lack of water and other necessary fluids can cause weakness, headaches, and muscle cramps.
One should drink enough water to avoid low blood pressure and fainting when exercising.
Related Reading: Heat Stroke Prevention Tips for Seniors
What if you don’t feel comfortable working out?
You’re not alone if you find motivating yourself to exercise difficult.
However, you don’t need to exercise until you’re drenched in sweat or your muscles are in excruciating pain to improve your health significantly.
There are several ways to exercise and many ways you can stay fit without going to the gym.
Here are some ways to stay fit and healthy without doing traditional resistance training or aerobic workouts.
- Walk around the mall.
- Play outdoors sports like tennis or pickleball
- Chair Exercises
- Wander through nature and take pictures.
- Visit a yoga class, and meet new people.
- Talk to a friend while exercising, stretching, or walking rather than at a coffee shop.
- Go for a walk with your dog and play fetch. If you don’t have one, offer to walk a neighbor’s dog or volunteer at a shelter or rescue organization for animals.
Concluding Thoughts – Fitness Safety Tips for Seniors
Staying fit and active can increase the health span of aging individuals.
However, it is important to be safe while exercising to avoid additional health complications.
Follow the tips listed above, and you can safely improve your health in a variety of ways!
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