Why Is Having An Active Lifestyle Important for Seniors? 5 Things You Should Know

Staying active and routinely exercising is important for people of all ages, but it is especially beneficial for older adults. Even 20-30 minutes of light to moderate exercise a few times a week can do wonders for improving your heart health, bolstering your immune system, and can even make a positive impact on your mental health. For residents of our senior living in Venice, our luxury community makes it all the easier for older adults to stay active, healthy, and focused on wellness. (University of Cambridge)

Are you interested in learning more about how you can have an active lifestyle as a senior? Then you won’t want to miss out on the information below!

Routine Exercise May Prevent Disease

Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are all among common health concerns that many seniors face. While there are many different factors that can contribute to the development of these diseases, routine exercise can help you to decrease your risk. According to various research, it has been proven that exercise can help lower your blood sugar, normalize blood pressure, and help improve leptin sensitivity to help promote better heart and blood cell function. (Mayo Clinic)

If you are an older adult who is concerned about your heart health, try incorporating exercise into your weekly routine. Even going for a short walk or spending some time in the pool may help to prevent disease and add years to your life.

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Being Active May Decrease Your Fall Risk

If you are a senior who has limited mobility, you might be worried about attempting to exercise. While it’s true you may need to opt for low impact workouts or modify certain activities, staying active is very important for maintaining muscle strength and decreasing your risk of falling. Not only that, but those who are active tend to have better flexibility and improved reflexes which may also play a significant role in preventing falls.

The Best Low Impact Exercises Here at our luxury senior living in Venice, we understand how important it is for residents of all mobility levels to stay active. Listed below are a few of the best low impact activities that you can try. Of course, it is highly recommended to check with your doctor or physical therapist prior to beginning any new routines.

Go for a Walk Here at Ciela, we pride ourselves on the amenities that we have to offer, including our dedicated walking trails. Lace up your best walking shoes, grab a friend, and spend some quality time out in nature. We are also a pet-friendly community, and going for a walk can be a great form of exercise for both you and your dog!

Visit Our Hydrotherapy Pool If you struggle with joint pain, arthritis, or osteoporosis, being able to participate in low impact activities is absolutely necessary. That is one of the key reasons that we feature a hydrotherapy pool as a part of our Vitality Center. Once in the pool, you may find that the natural hydrostatic pressure of water helps relax joints, improve strength, and boost your flexibility. You can also explore underwater treadmill physical therapy sessions, too!

Take a Yoga Class Yoga is a form of exercise that dates back to ancient parts of Asia and has been used to improve one’s mental health as well as bolster flexibility and strength. Here at Ciela, you can participate in yoga, tai chi, and may more to naturally improve your balance in a low-impact setting.

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Exercising Creates Opportunities to Stay Socially Engaged

While some individuals may prefer to work out alone, if you are someone who thrives off of spending time with others, exercising provides an excellent opportunity to stay socially engaged. For example, you could take daily morning walks with a friend to catch up and talk about life. Or you can meet new friends by signing up for a strength training course or working out at your community’s fitness center. Not only does working out with a partner make exercise more fun, it can also help you stay accountable and on the right track to reaching your wellness goals.

An Active Lifestyle Can Help Your Mental Health

Just because you are retired doesn’t mean that there won’t be days that you struggle with your mental health. Negative feelings such as anxiety and depression can happen to anyone, regardless of their age. Do yourself a favor by staying on top of your mental health and keeping physically active. When you exercise, your brain releases dopamine and endorphins, two chemicals that play an integral part in helping you to feel your very best. If you have been experiencing anxiety or other negative feelings, try creating an exercise routine and see if your outlook improves. (source)

For additional mental health benefits, head outside for your exercise! The beautiful spring weather has arrived at our senior living in Venice and now is the perfect time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the fresh air.

Working Out Can Bolster Cognitive Function

For memory care residents or those who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, finding ways to bolster cognitive function is very important. Working out isn’t just good for your body, but it’s good for your brain, too! When you exercise, you are also sharpening your fine motor skills, which is something that tends to decline with dementia. Once again, even simple, low-impact exercises such as walking or yoga can go a long way.

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