Innovative Fitness Programs for Senior Health

The transition from a professional active phase to the retirement phase can cause many individuals to become sluggish and sedentary. As age advances it becomes necessary to stay active more than ever before. Being on the move keeps seniors energized, happy, and independent and in good emotional and mental health. But the usual mundane workout routines may not motivate them to stay active every day. And so, it is necessary to develop innovative exercise programs for seniors.

For an overall good health and wellness for seniors every fitness program should focus on attaining the following goals

• Improve their balance – The elderly are vulnerable to falls. Thus exercise programs should focus on those routines which help in enhancing their core balance. 
• Improve flexibility – It is common to have stiff joints as people age. Practicing exercises that improve flexibility is very important and should be a part of healthcare for seniors.
• Protect from lifestyle diseases – Heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, obesity are some of the common illnesses accompanying old age. The programs should include workouts that help protect elders from these illnesses. 
• Build more energy – Feeling lethargic is common among seniors. The lower metabolism and sedentary life will leave them feeling sloggy.
• Prevent depression – Along with the physique the mind also needs special care and attention. Elders often feel isolated and lonely. Practices such as meditation and Tai-Chi need to be included in fitness routines for seniors.

Building a fun and balanced fitness routine for seniors

A balanced exercise program for seniors should include strength training, aerobic exercises, flexibility workouts and finally relaxation therapies and techniques. Combining all of these in the right proportions will help to keep seniors in their best health.

Some suitable seniors’ exercises include – 

• Jogging
• Swimming
• Free weights
• Brisk walking
• Weight machines
• Resistance bands
• Yoga
• Meditation

Some creative routines for those who hate exercise

• Water Aerobics – Being in the water is fun and does not feel like exercise at all because it is low-impact. Synchronized swimming and water games can help in enhancing cardiovascular health and in keeping the joints flexible. For those who don’t know swimming or are afraid of the water, there are several aerobic movements that can be done in shallow waters.
• Dance it off – Dancing makes everyone happy. And seniors especially will enjoy grooving to music. Dancing helps to bring down blood pressure, improves balance, stimulates the brain to release happy hormones and improves mobility.
• Gardening – Gardening is a perfect workout for overall health. When gardening some of the crucial areas of the body like the neck, back, shoulders, arms, abs, buttocks and legs get strengthened. All the lifting and stretching help to improve a person’s agility. In short tending to your garden burns calories, reduces stress and anxiety and provides ample resistance training.
• Tai Chi – This is similar to dancing but the movements are really slow which makes it an apt exercise form for seniors. The slow graceful movements improve the body’s balance and flexibility. 

Fitness is important in all ages especially as one gets older. Several luxury living homes for elders offers interesting and effective senior fitness programs. Get involved in fitness programs so that you can age gracefully.