The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while creating lasting memories, for children and aging parents alike. There are always the usual stresses that arise this time of year, like making sure gifts are bought, meals are sorted, and activities are planned to keep everyone happy. However, […]
Wednesday, May 25th is National Seniors Fitness and Health Day and approximately 100,000 older adults will participate in activities at more than 1,000 locations throughout the U.S. This year’s theme is “Improve Your Health for a Better Self,” which encourages older Americans to get healthy and fit and focus on becoming the best they can be.
Living in the desert it can begin to heat up by the end of May, making it more difficult to be active outside, especially if you’re elderly. Staying fit in Phoenix during the summer can be daunting to anyone looking to improve or maintain their health, and for seniors it can often be especially challenging. To help overcome the challenges of our inevitably sweltering summer weather and inspire seniors to get moving, we offer up some exercise tips for the season:
Indoor Action:
While the hot sun might be good for breaking a sweat faster, it can be too much and dangerous even over a shorter period of time for elders. Instead, look at moving activity regimens inside. There is a wide variety of video-driven workouts geared towards senior adults that are perfect a guided indoor exercise session. Equipment like resistance bands and light hand weights are always a good option. Stretching on a yoga mat or dancing to a favorite tune can also inspire movement and get the heart pumping.
Taking Advantage of the Early Hours:
A leisurely walk in the early morning hours is good method of exercise at any age. Simply waking up a bit earlier each day to enjoy the outdoors can help minimize the heat challenge, while maintaining a regular workout plan.
Water Aerobics:
A great way to keep healthy joints and boost cardio is resistance training in a pool. The water helps to keep the body cool, making it easier to exercise on a hot day. Additionally, the nature of gravity within the water means that the physical tension on elders with osetoperosis, weak joints, or arthritis is diminished.
National Seniors Fitness and Health Day was established to raise awareness and inspire us to stay active as we age. The reality is 30 minutes of exercise each day to improve and maintain health and overall well-being. So start moving – walk, dance, take up yoga. Whatever you choose to do, keep up the exercise this summer and be sure to stay hydrated and safe!
