6 Low Impact Exercises For Seniors

Most seniors want to remain active and healthy by taking part in physical activities that aren’t going to have a negative impact on joints or be too strenuous on their aging bodies.  Seniors who take on regular exercise can improve their mental, emotional and physiological health.  Seniors will also need to factor in mobility issues and current health issues that can affect the exercises they able to do.

Here are some of those low impact exercises for seniors to incorporate into their daily routines. 

1. Tai Chi – A slow motion exercise that is a form of martial arts can help seniors to keep joints active and give them core strength by slowly exercising and extending muscles with slow stretching movements.
2. Walking – As little as 15 – 30 minutes a day can be good for the circulation and keep the joints active.  Walking the family dog is a very popular form of exercise to keep seniors agile and active.  Taking a walk on the beach or through the park is also a very popular choice.
3. Dancing – Dancing is a recreational activity that a lot of seniors love to take part in.  It helps keep the muscles strong and the blood circulation going.  It’s also a lot of fun to take part in socially with a group of friends.  The good thing about dancing is that it can be done it in the privacy of our own homes at our own pace.
4. Resistance – Resistance exercises like stretching and raising arms, pushing and pulling with elastic bands or light weights can help build up muscle strength.
5. Stretching – The daily routine of stretching and raising arms and legs and standing on tip toes and slowly coming back to standing on the full base of the foot can help.  Also stretching arms outwards and spinning them in the same direction while making in small circles and then back the other way can also help with loosening arm movements.
6. Swimming and Water Aerobics – Great for body movements and stretching with low impact swimming and water aerobics classes for seniors which are held at most local swimming pools.

Note: Talk to your doctor before taking on a new exercise routine.  Ask your physician about the impact of these exercises may have on your body and if they can be modified to suit your physical needs.

Sources:

Australian Aging Agenda – Best Exercises for Seniors Revealed

Everyday Health – Seniors We Admire

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