Staying fit after 50 isn’t just about adding years to your life but about adding life to your years! Regular exercises for seniors can boost energy levels while helping our seniors efficiently navigate some of the effects of ageing.
Exercising doesn’t just work on physical health but also enhances mental and emotional well-being. No matter if you are looking to stay strong or fight off fatigue, we have curated a list of some of the best and simplest exercises for old people to stay active as they age. However, it is always a great idea to consult your healthcare provider before starting a new routine.
If you are looking for exercises for seniors over 60, these options can help you put up a regime for yourself that shall help you stay active and happy.
Aerobic exercises for seniors can keep the heart healthy and energy levels high. You can go for activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, or even gardening. We suggest you try doing aerobics exercises as a group activity. This way, you can even try games like tennis for a fun twist!
When we pin down the best exercises for elderly, strength training should definitely make it to your list. No matter what exercise you pick, start with one set of 12–15 reps and then work your way up to three sets. Here are some strength training exercises for seniors that you can try.
Chair yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that is a very good physical activity for seniors. It offers benefits like improved strength, flexibility, mobility, and balance. This form of yoga places less strain on muscles, joints, and bones. Seniors can try simple yet effective exercises, such as the overhead stretch and seated cat and cow stretches, to stay active and healthy. Having said that, it is important to perform these exercises under supervision.
Cycling is a great exercise for seniors. It’s easy on the joints and works on your strength, flexibility, and balance. Besides doing wonders for your physical health, cycling can also promote a sense of independence in elders. Elders can start with short rides on flat roads and then gradually increase intensity.
Looking to strengthen your legs? Here are a few simple yet effective exercises you can do right from your chair!
For this exercise, elders can sit back in a chair comfortably while keeping their heels on the floor and lifting their toes high enough to feel the muscles in their shins working. This is a great exercise for keeping the blood flowing and strengthening your lower legs. You can start with 10-15 reps of this exercise.
While sitting on the chair, elders can keep their toes and the balls of their feet grounded and then lift the heels up. This is a great exercise for calf muscles and helps with strengthening.
Yoga or Tai Chi are some of the best forms of exercise for older adults as it focuses on flexibility, balance, and relaxation. You can start with simple poses like seated forward bends and then work your way to something more advanced. You can do group classes for seniors as it will be a great way to socialise while learning about the best ways to keep yourself fit.
Always remember to consult a doctor or fitness professional before starting any new exercise routine!
We hope you enjoyed reading about these simple exercises for elderly that are great for maintaining posture, balance and your overall health. For a beginner, the journey towards physical fitness can seem a bit overwhelming, but consistency is key! Having said that, do not forget to take breaks when needed.
From better balance and flexibility to stronger muscles and improved heart health, these simple exercises for elderly can do all this and more to help you feel your best. To that end, you can check out GenWise, which is one of the best apps for elders and is designed to help seniors get guidance on different facets of their life, including fitness. In addition to exercises, you can also explore several online events on the application.
Some of the best exercises for old people that can enhance their strength are
The three key exercises for elderly are aerobics, strength training and yoga (mindful exercises).
Tai Chi and Yoga are some of the best exercises for increasing balance in seniors.
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