Are you looking for a new way to make a splash with your exercise routine? Believe it or not, swimming can improve your life in all kinds of ways. Learn about the benefits of swimming for seniors, and you’ll be itching to hit the water!
Benefits of Swimming for Seniors
If you’re a senior, odds are good that a doctor has already talked to you about the importance of exercise in your golden years. Regular fitness activities can help alleviate chronic pain, assist you in managing conditions like diabetes, and help you stay independent as you enjoy your retirement.
But what kind of exercise is best for seniors? You might be thinking of picking up some running shoes, but the experts agree that a pair of swim trunks might be a better item. Why is swimming so highly recommended for seniors who want to exercise?
Swimming Is Low-Impact But Produces Big Results
There aren’t that many types of exercise that are easy on your body yet still allow you to get a full-body workout. That’s why doctors recommend swimming as an ideal senior activity. The water cushions your joints from feeling the impact of your workout, which allows you to work your muscles as much as you need to. It’s a full-body workout without the aches and pains caused by jogging and other higher-impact activities.
Swimming Can Help Manage Common Senior Conditions
Speaking of aches and pains, it turns out that swimming is great medicine for many common senior ailments. Swimming can help build strong bones and muscles, helping you avoid issues like osteoporosis and age-related muscle loss. It can also improve heart health and even lower your blood pressure. If health management is a priority for you, swimming might be your secret weapon.
Swimming Keeps You Strong and Flexible
Swimming is good for building muscles up, but it’s also great for keeping your joints as flexible as possible. The motions required for swimming are effective for stretching your back, hips, and neck, and can help you increase your range of motion. It can also help you reduce back pain and improve your posture.
Swimming Is Great for Your Mental Health Too
Mental health and physical health are more closely linked than many people realize, which is why swimming can benefit more than just your body. Because swimming is fun, it can boost your mood in unexpected ways, and keep you sticking to your exercise routine more easily. Swimming for seniors is also often a social activity, which can have an even better impact on your mental health. Why not check out a swim class the next time you want to make some new friends?
How Can I Get Started?
If you’re ready to take the plunge, don’t do it alone. Before you start swimming, be sure to have a conversation with your doctor about your overall health and ask if there are any activities or types of swimming you should avoid. If your doctor gives you the all-clear, head to your local gym or community center and see what classes they offer for senior swimmers. Aquarobics, water dancing, and even water yoga can give you a great workout and help you get started on your new hobby. Now, go make a splash!
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Swimming is just one way you can enjoy an active lifestyle as a senior. Are you looking for a senior living community that will help you stay lively? At Springhouse Village, we have just what you’re looking for.
At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today by sending us a message online or calling 417-708-3403.