Senior Fitness

Staying fit and mobile plays a large role in senior health.
It’s not always easy to maintain fitness levels as we age.
Naturally, our bodies change, but we don’t want them becoming
immobile! Here are some tips to make your senior years more
enjoyable and fit.

As much as possible, continue doing your daily living tasks.
Taking a bath, even if it’s just a sponge bath, gives your arms
a mini-workout. You’re bending and keeping flexible, which is
vital for proper joint health.

Cooking involves peeling vegetables, some walking, bending to
reach pots and pans. Don’t fret that you may not be able to do
all grocery shopping by yourself. As long as you can continue
cooking at home, this allows more chance for movement.

So, we’re continuing our daily tasks, and now it’s time to
consider some specific exercise.

Golfing provides fun, a chance for walking, bending, and
maintaining flexibility. Even miniature golf allows for some of
these tasks, so join the grandkids if you can.

Perhaps getting out to a golf course isn’t possible for you
right now. Buy one of those mini-putting greens you can use
indoors. Even these will improve your ability to move more
freely.

Several times a day, make it a point to stop and work on a
flexibility exercise. For instance, stretch your legs while
sitting in the recliner. Do five or six mini leg lifts or
stretch your arms over your head and hold them there for a count
of ten. All activity, even simple ones, increases your ability
to move freely and with less pain.

Check with your doctor about the exercises he or she suggests.
You may be asked to visit a physical therapist who will work
with you on improving your fitness. Therapists have some fun
ideas on staying fitter – simple games you can play in your home
with your grandkids, like batting a balloon back and forth with
a plastic racket. You’ll find yourself enjoying the exercise
even more with your children around!

By making a simple choice each day of staying mobile as much as
possible, you increase your chances of living a more independent
life.

About the Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health
expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/
for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well
as reviews and comments on popular diets.