7 Low-Impact Exercises that Help Seniors Stay Healthy

There's really no age at which it’s a good idea to stop moving. In fact, there are many ways exercise that can keep you strong and fit well into your senior years. Science has shown that seniors can enjoy many health benefits from regular, low-impact exercise:

• A longer life
• Improved balance that prevents falling accidents and injuries
• Better bone density
• Deeper, more rejuvenating sleep
• Decreased stroke and heart attack risk
• Improved management of blood sugar levels
• Disease delay or even prevention
• Better mental and emotional health
• Increased strength and range of motion

So, talk with your doctor about which exercises would help you stay in the best shape as you age. In addition to your doctor, talk with your physical therapist or occupational therapist about what exercises could help you accomplish these great health benefits. Also, contact At Home Personal Care at (703) 494-3989 to ask about how a home caregiver could help with your doctor's low-impact exercise recommendations.

1. Take a Walk

Just adding a 30-minute walk every day can improve your cardiovascular health and help you lower blood pressure and keep blood-sugar levels even. It also improves bone density and stamina, and can really improve your outlook on life, particularly if you do it with friends and family. All you really need is a safe place to walk (indoors or out), some supportive shoes and comfortable clothes.

2. Swimming and Other Water Exercises

Being in the water removes gravity from aching joints, yet provides the marvelous resistance bones and muscles need to stay strong. It’s also great for cardiovascular health and can be an excellent starting point if you’re recovering from an injury. In fact, your physical therapist or occupational therapist may recommend water exercise for that reason specifically.

3. Practice Yoga

Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, stamina, balance and mental health with improved focus and breathing. It’s shown great promise in helping seniors with anxiety and can also improve coordination.

4. Try Tai Chi

The slow, rhythmic, dance-like movements of tai chi originate in China, and as a low-impact exercise, it’s a great idea to try it if your doctor agrees. It’s shown particular promise in providing arthritis pain relief and has improved life for many patients with Parkinson’s disease.

5. Strength and Resistance Training

Maintaining muscle tone as we age is difficult, and requires some extra effort. Have your physical therapist work with you on posture, form and the amount of weight you start with in order to ease into it. It’s been shown to help with blood sugar management, weight management, cardiovascular health, improved sleep and better balance.

6. Pilates

Building core strength and improving balance are great benefits of Pilates exercises. Building strength and range of motion can help you avoid falls and other balance problems as you age.

7. Dance

If your doctor approves, why not try a dance class? If you like music and the social aspect of this form of low-impact exercise, it’s a great way to boost your cardiovascular health, stamina, balance and build social connections that will improve your emotional and mental health too!

If you want to try any of these exercises, or other low-impact exercises for seniors, be sure to ask your doctor for recommendations, or contact our senior health experts from At Home Personal Care today: (703) 494-3989.