You’ve heard it before: Staying active is one of the best ways to stay happy and healthy as you age. That being said, no one wants to spend their days performing countless lunges at a mundane exercise class. Luckily, there are plenty of fun ways to stay active without setting foot in a gym.
Fun Ways to Stay Active
Go for a Dip
Water aerobics and other water classes are great ways to stay active for several reasons. First, classes like these work your muscles in a low-impact setting, which is a plus for older adults. Water classes are also typically held in a high-energy community setting, turning exercise into a fun social opportunity. Finally, exercising in water can improve joint-related conditions like arthritis. Water-based exercises reduce pressure on your joints while helping you gradually build strength – without having to hit the weight room. Try aqua jogging or flutter kicking on your own, or check out group classes at your local YMCA or another fitness club.
Walk It Out
Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active during your golden years. It’s been proven to reduce your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes while minimizing high blood pressure. Plus, it’s an easy way to keep off excess weight. The good news: You don’t have to resign yourself to walking endless laps at your local gym. Instead, commit to walking around local farmers’ markets, neighborhood parks, or – when the weather isn’t accommodating – an indoor location, like a mall or department store.
Hone Your Green Thumb
Of all of the fun ways to stay active, gardening is one of the most relaxing and rewarding. Gardening is a great way to get some fresh air while watching the fruits of your labor grow into something beautiful. Gardening gets you outdoors, stimulating the senses while acting as an excellent de-stressor that allows you to connect with nature. Don’t have access to an outdoor area for a garden? Try tending to plants indoors.
Dance the Night Away
The American Heart Association recommends that older adults complete at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week. Dancing is a great way to get that aerobic exercise in without worrying about high-intensity workouts like running or cycling. You can buy a dance exercise video to complete at home, or you can find a dance class or dance group near you. And, no, you don’t need to have formal training to complete a dance exercise class – just a sense of humor!
Become a Tourist in Your Town
Even if you’ve lived in the same town for your entire life, there are bound to be some hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Exploring your town provides an excellent opportunity to have an adventure or two while discovering fun new things to do in your town. Grab a friend or family member, then start by visiting a museum or other local cultural destination. You’ll rack up a surprising number of steps, and many museums have accommodations if you have trouble standing for extended periods of time. Then, make your way to a busy shopping corridor to do some strolling and window shopping. Finally, check out local parks or outdoor attractions to take in some fresh air.
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At Springhouse Village, we understand the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle. That’s why we make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether it’s encouraging our residents to enjoy the benefits of shopping at local farmers markets, providing places where they can practice and share their hobbies, or creating continuing education opportunities by connecting with local schools, we are continually striving to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the activities, amenities, and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today.