Part of healthy aging is to keep Senior Citizens active and ambulatory. When physical activity is fun and social, older adults are more likely to participate and make it a habit. For example, joining a bocce club that meets once a week gives you the motivation to get up and be active. It’s time to lace up our sneakers and have some fun!
1. Walking Club
You could join a local walking club, or create your own. It needn’t be anything too official. You can make plans with a neighbor to go for a walk together every morning at a set time. There are a myriad of mental and physical benefits of walking for older adults. A walking buddy keeps you accountable and having someone to walk and talk with makes exercise more fun. For example, the Hunterdon Walking and Social Club meets on Sunday evenings to enjoy a long walk together.
2. Yard Games
Who says exercise is boring? Outdoor games make physical activity seem like child’s play. Plus, lawn games combine social and physical wellness in one neat package. Popular yard games for Senior Citizens include:
- Corn hole
- Lawn darts
- Bocce
- Croquet
- Washers
- Ladder golf
- Ring toss
- Jumbo checkers or chess
- Badminton
- Pickleball
3. Dancing
Dancing boosts physical, mental, and social well-being in a number of ways. For starters, older adults connect with other people through dance classes. Plus, the movement gets the blood pumping and keeps the body flexible, agile, and strong. Music also boosts cognitive ability and memory. You can often find dance classes at your local senior center.
4. Aquatic Exercise
Water aerobics and swimming are excellent choices of physical activity for older adults. Buoyancy means there is low impact on the body. The water takes a load off the joints and minimizes the risk of injury. In addition, moving through the pool provides gentle resistance to strengthen muscles and bones.
Keep Senior Citizens Active
Participating in a variety of physical activities keeps people engaged, so the activities won’t become dull. Likewise, the social aspect is a great way to keep Senior Citizens active. The first step is to pick a couple physical activities you like and schedule a time to try it with friends and family. At Anita’s Angels, Inc., we support your elderly loved ones with fun and social ways to keep Senior Citizens active. We are Families Helping Families. Call to learn how our family can help yours 908-788-9390.
