Let’s Get Moving! Ways for Seniors to Get Active Indoors

Staying active indoors is essential for seniors, especially in the rainier months, with fewer outdoor activities. Movement becomes more critical than ever as we age. Finding ways to stay active indoors can help you boost your mood. It can also help with mobility, chronic pain, and blood pressure. There are many options for staying active and healthy.

It's important to note that not everyone has the same abilities. These activities can be modified for people with mobility or strength issues. Staying active is crucial for your overall well-being, promoting physical and mental health. It can also be a lot of fun!

The Benefits of Regular Exercise

Regular exercise routines can improve your daily quality of life by helping lower blood pressure and boosting feel-good chemicals. Engaging in physical activity not only boosts your energy levels and strengthens muscles but also contributes to improved balance and flexibility. This can reduce the risk of falls and enhance overall mobility.

Regular exercise maintains cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and enhancing overall heart function. It also contributes significantly to managing and preventing type 2 diabetes, promoting improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. Weight-bearing exercises can help foster bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Get advice from a doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise; they may want to help by prescribing physical therapy to help build strength.

How to Get Moving Indoors

Are you ready to get active? Invite a friend and start with gentle activities such as seated exercises, chair yoga, or low-impact aerobics. These exercises help improve flexibility, strength, and balance without putting excessive strain on joints. Many online platforms, such as YouTube and local community centers, offer guided video sessions for older adults. You can follow in the comfort of your home at your own pace. Or, invite a friend to follow along with you. Try to set goals and challenges together.

If you don't like structured exercise classes, you can take up dancing. Dance like no one is watching! Draw the curtains in your living room. Choose the playlist and set a timer for 15 minutes every day. Dancing is a mood-boosting activity that can positively affect cognitive function and overall well-being. Getting active doesn't have to be difficult!

If you prefer a more relaxed approach, activities like tai chi or yoga may be right up your alley. Tai chi uses smooth, elegant movements with deep breathing, promoting relaxation and improving balance. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can also contribute to mental health. They can be done indoors as a great cool-down exercise after an exercise session, helping you refresh for the rest of the day.

Getting Active in Groups

In many senior living situations, some groups meet together to pursue activities. Many of these groups stay indoors but perhaps go mall-walking. Or, they may get together to share a favorite low-impact exercise DVD to participate in.

Are you looking to add more creativity and fun? Nintendo Wii offers interactive video games that require physical movement, such as dance games, virtual sports, or fitness-focused games. There are also options for similar games on virtual reality networks like Oculus.

Get Moving Outdoors, Too

Exercise benefits anyone at any age, but it is more important as a senior. People with limited mobility need to keep agile; other people may live with chronic illnesses or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome that get aggravated without movement.

If you can't find a way to move indoors, go outdoors when the weather is favorable. A 15-minute walk benefits blood pressure, immune system, and mental health.

If you want to get moving and aren't sure where to start, seek advice from your medical provider. They can help you focus on what you need most and even refer you to physical therapy if you need strength or mobility training.

Learn More About Senior Living

We're here to help you transition to the next stages of life while living to the fullest. Present Moments offers medication management, help with activities of daily living, healthy and delicious meals, and so much more! We want to welcome you or you loved ones and are happy to give you a tour. Get in touch to learn more at 442-232-2824.