4 Important Exercises For Seniors

Tai chi as well as yoga are very suitable exercises for the elderly because they help them gain balance and improve their flexibility.

Becoming a senior does not mean that you should do without exercise even if you have certain problems. There are some important low impact senior exercises for staying healthy that are worth knowing.

Exercise will allow older people to experience much healthier aging. Doing sport every day and making a place for it in everyday life will be very beneficial. In this article, we are going to learn about some important exercises for seniors.

Important exercises for seniors

There are a series of exercises that are important for people of a specific age that limit the risk of injury. As we have already mentioned, at this age can present a series of problems which increase the risk of injury.

1. Aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercises have a low impact, although some are especially aimed at seniors.

When we think of aerobic exercise, only aerobics can come to mind. However, there are many other exercises like this that are very fun and, of course, we encourage you to try. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Bike (static or not)
• Walking or jogging (on a machine in the gym or outdoors)
• Aerobic gymnastics (for the elderly)
• Water aerobics

Many of these exercises can be done in groups, which will make them more fun and beneficial.

Older people are sometimes left alone, either because their children are leaving home or because they do not have a partner or family nearby. Therefore, making friends and exercising with them is a plus for their happiness.

2. Yoga or tai chi

Yoga or tai chi are two important types of exercise for the elderly that do not require a lot of exertion. We will see the benefits of each of these two sports below.

Yoga is a combination of exercise and meditation that helps older people be more flexible. Likewise, it will also help them to strengthen and tone their body which will undoubtedly be beneficial and prevent them from suffering bigger injuries if they fall or make a bad movement.

Taichi, on the other hand, is a martial art that also includes meditation. This type of exercise is very important because it increases the strength of the elderly as well as their flexibility, and it is also a great exercise for balance.

In addition, the meditation in both exercises helps to focus on the present, to be more aware and happy. Without a doubt, these are excellent exercises for the mental well-being of the elderly.

3. Swimming

We told you about water aerobics previously, but this practice has a very low impact compared to a more popular activity, which is swimming. It is an activity suitable for seniors which is very complete and very beneficial.

Swimming is a type of sport that activates all the muscles in the body. This is how synchronization works and the body is toned and strengthened. In addition, the risk of injury is very low, so this activity is highly recommended for those who have a problem or are at risk of injury.

Swimming is relaxing and is ideal for older people going through a period of depression. Contact with water, associated with this exercise, will promote greater physical and mental well-being.

4. Dance

Dancing is a very important activity for the elderly. While many don’t consider it a sport, classes in zumba, traditional dance, or other styles may fall into this category.

Thanks to dance, seniors work their body, tone it and gain balance. It is a very fun exercise that can also be put into practice when you go out with friends.

These are just examples of a few important and essential exercises for older people. To age in a healthy way, not only physically but also mentally, exercise should always be part of our routine.