Don't Let Winter Keep You from Exercising Your Body--and Your Brain

Why Seniors Should Prioritize Exercise

Physical activity, even something as simple as a regular walk, has several health advantages, including the following:

• Improved cardiovascular health. In addition to reducing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, exercise may also help improve memory and slow some types of mental decline.

• Reduced risk for a variety of conditions, ranging from stroke and diabetes to breast and colon cancer.

• Stronger bones and less risk of osteoporosis.

• Improved strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help reduce the risk of falls, a leading cause of injuries in older adults.

• An overall improved lifestyle, including better sleep, enhanced confidence, and less feeling of isolation.

Strategies for Winter Exercise

Here are some strategies to keep seniors moving and active, regardless of the weather forecast.

Keep It Indoors

Don't let cold, sleet, or snow spoil a nice walk. Enclosed malls often open early for walkers to enjoy a safe, climate-controlled place to stroll. Some schools also offer the same use of their hallways after school hours. Senior centers and retirement communities may also have indoor walking tracks or fitness equipment such as treadmills to let seniors get their steps in.

Take A Class

Signing up for a winter activity class can provide needed exercise and a chance for social connections. This can be a fitness or aerobics class that covers the basics of staying active. For a little more variety, consider instruction in yoga, tai chi, dancing, or other forms of healthy movement.

Take The Plunge

Swimming is often overlooked as a form of exercise for seniors, but it is a tremendous option, especially for adults with joint pain and arthritis. It is a low-impact workout for joints and muscles, as close as your nearest YMCA or fitness center. Many facilities offer water aerobics classes for seniors or other opportunities to enjoy the pool during winter.

Design Your Exercise Routine

Regular moderate exercise doesn't require fitness centers or professional equipment. All it takes is planning and motivation. A regular walk around a living space will do nicely if stairs are available, even better. The key is to not stay sedentary for prolonged periods. Movement helps muscles stretch to stay flexible and maintain a range of motion. For a more formal routine, choose a fitness video from the library or YouTube and create your own low-impact exercise plan. The type of exercise doesn't matter. The only requirement is that you stick with it.

Phone A Friend

There's strength in numbers when it comes to getting motivated about exercise. Studies have shown that social support helps keep people active, so ask a friend to team up for exercise sessions or join in with organized groups in the senior community to keep exercising on a regular schedule.

Safety First

To maintain a healthy exercise regimen, you need to do at least 30 minutes of activity daily, at least five times a week. Activities can be broken down into shorter periods if that helps. Just remember to take it easy and be aware of your surroundings to minimize the chance of falls.

There's no reason to let winter slow down seniors. Because when you combine moderate exercise with a nutritious diet and plenty of rest, a healthy outcome is always in season.

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