When was the last time you broke a sweat? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28% of seniors in the US are physically inactive. Inactivity is 30% higher among adults with a chronic disease.
Joining a senior wellness program could help improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It may even help prevent injuries or illness.
What are the other benefits of wellness programs? Read on to find out!
Increased Senior Fitness
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week and muscle-strengthening activities twice a week. Staying physically active can promote healthy aging and improve your overall well-being.
Explore your local senior living community’s wellness programs to determine what options they have available. These may include:
- Strength training programs
- Aerobic exercise programs
- Flexibility and balance programs
Your senior living community may provide different classes ranging in levels of expertise. You can choose a course that suits your mobility, goals, and preferences. Work with a specialist to develop a personalized routine based on your senior fitness needs.
Participating in these wellness programs may help you manage a chronic medical condition. Explore proactive wellness programs that include preventive health screenings and nutritious meals. You can develop a multifaceted plan with help from experts at your community.
Strength Training
Participating in a strength training program can help you increase muscle strength and endurance. These programs involve resistance-based activities using:
- Bodyweight exercises
- Free weights
- Weight machines
- Resistance bands
With time, strength training can improve your muscle mass and bone density. As you get stronger, your overall functional ability may improve. You may have an easier time remaining mobile and independent.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercise will boost your heart rate, strengthening your cardiovascular health. You’ll focus on large muscle groups while completing repetitive movements. Your senior wellness program may involve:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Low-impact aerobics
- Swimming
Consider participating in these aerobic exercise classes with friends. You can even challenge one another or hold each other accountable to attend classes.
Flexibility and Balance
If you’re concerned about joint mobility and flexibility, explore a flexibility and balance program. These programs involve gentle movements, including:
- Tai chi
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Pilates
Enhancing your flexibility and balance can reduce your risk of falls and injuries. Try adding these activities to your routine three days a week.
Reduced Medical Costs
Joining these wellness programs may help reduce future medical expenses. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, people who participate in wellness programs have lower healthcare costs. You may have fewer:
- Falls
- Trips to the emergency room
- Hospital admissions
Remember, prioritizing senior fitness can help you get stronger and more flexible. You may have fewer accidents, leading to fewer medical concerns.
Improved Mental Health
Mild cognitive decline affects about 16% of people over the age of 70. Another 14% of people in this age group experience dementia. Exercising can keep your brain active, leading to synaptogenesis.
Your brain will form new synapses, making it easier for you to absorb information and retain long-term memories. Look for wellness programs that will engage your body and mind. You can strengthen your body and brain at the same time.
Exercising can:
- Improve cognition
- Promote emotional health
- Encourage independence
- Boost self-confidence
- Improve self-esteem
- Help you develop new skills
- Enhance your quality of life
Exercising increases blood flow while stimulating the production of dopamine and endorphins. Dopamine can help you feel rewarded, good, and motivated. Increased dopamine production can benefit your mood, memory, learning, and decision-making abilities.
Endorphins help regulate your mood, appetite, and sleep. They can help with stress management and pain relief.
These chemicals can potentially promote new brain cells in areas like the hippocampus (where learning and memory occur). Developing more neutral connections can enhance cognitive abilities like learning, attention, and reasoning.
Emotional Well-Being for Seniors
Exercise can benefit emotional well-being for seniors. Remember, dopamine and endorphins play a part in mood regulation. Exercising may help improve your mood.
In one study, aerobic jogging and mindfulness-based yoga improved:
- Aerobic fitness levels
- Emotion regulation
- Mindfulness
Staying physically active may distract you from negative thoughts. You can find a healthy way to release stress and tension. The physical release of exercise could even help you release unprocessed feelings.
Explore upcoming community activities and participate alongside friends. Your programs may offer:
- Stress management techniques
- Mental health counseling
- Cognitive stimulation activities
- Socialization opportunities
These programs will help you address your mental health needs, reducing the prevalence of cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression. Improving your mental and emotional health can benefit your overall quality of life.
Encourages Independence
Improving your physical strength can make it easier to perform daily tasks. You’ll require help less often, allowing you to remain independent. Maintaining your independence can boost your mood and self-esteem.
Engaging Community Activities
Participating in community activities will encourage you to connect with other seniors. Otherwise, loneliness and isolation can cause your mental and physical health to decline. Before that happens, find activities you and your friends are excited about.
You can hold one another accountable to participate regularly. Engaging with friends can improve your mental health, leading to a sense of belonging and purpose.
Variety
Joining your senior living community’s wellness programs will give you access to a variety of different resources and activities. You can try something new every day. As you enjoy new experiences, you’ll build neural pathways, improving your cognitive health.
Having access to a variety of activities will keep you from getting bored. Instead, you can improve your mental, physical, and emotional health while enjoying a rich, fulfilling life.
Discover Your Senior Wellness Program
Joining a local senior wellness program can benefit your health and quality of life. Want to experience the benefits of participating in a senior fitness program firsthand? Explore the wellness programs at Morada Lake Hefner, the best senior living community for healthy aging.
We offer quality care by developing personalized care plans that meet each resident’s unique needs. Enjoy our comfortable living options, engaging activities, and full coordination of care. Contact us now to schedule your tour!
