4 Easy Exercises for Seniors

The new year is here! For all of us, this means new energy, opportunities, and resolutions to take with us into 2022. It seems we all had the same thing on our minds: according to a study conducted by Statista, the most common 2022 resolution was ‘to exercise more’. 

Although exercise can aid all ages, it’s especially important for those in their golden years. For seniors, staying active is crucial for aging well in place. Exercise promotes heart health, regulates blood flow, and keeps the body spry in older age. 

For those seniors looking to exercise more in the new year, here are four easy exercises! Do not hesitate to speak with an experienced chiropractor before beginning to find out what the most important thing to do for your body will be. Your home health aid, can assist you with this. 

1. Yoga

For those looking to exercise more in 2022, there is no better place to start than yoga. With an emphasis on poses and breathwork, yoga can help improve blood flow and flexibility. The practice of regular poses is especially helpful in promoting balance in seniors. This balance can bolster your aging loved one in the event of a fall. 

2. Recumbent Bicycling

Seniors in search of lower body exercises can gain a lot from the recumbent bike. A recumbent bicycle is one of the best ways to bolster lower muscles while being gentle on the body. The lower and wider seat allows seniors to work out their legs without straining limbs. 

The recumbent bicycle also provides more accessible usage, as the machine can be more easily operated than an upright bicycle.

3. Water Aerobics

Another great exercise is water aerobics. Swimming in water acts as both an aerobic and anaerobic activity. This is because the act of being in water is a resistance activity: the senior is actively fighting against the push of the water with their muscles. Thus, water aerobics provides two forms of activity for the price of one!

In addition, the lower gravity of water places less pressure on joints and bones. This means those who are living with arthritis and bone diseases are free to exercise without placing undue stress on their joints. 

4. Walking

Sometimes exercise is as simple as a walk in the park! Walking can strengthen bones, lengthen muscles, and promote heart health through aerobic activity. Even better, walking requires no equipment or location. All it requires is the senior and a designated location. Thus, for incorporating exercise in the new year, seniors should look no further than their own backyard!