Exercise is essential for mental and physical health and wellness, and it’s natural to be tempted to let your health drop off when you reach retirement age. Only 26 percent of seniors participate in physical activity. Prolonging your golden years and getting the most from retirement requires caring for your body and mind.
The idea of active senior living sounds daunting, but starting a routine and learning about the activities you can participate in will help you stay moving after reaching retirement age. You’ll enjoy retirement while making new friends.
Luckily, you’ve found the ideal resource to learn about maintaining an active lifestyle when living in retirement communities. Continue reading to maximize your health and physical wellness today!
Table of Contents
1. Take Things Slow
Physical activity provides several health benefits, but you should always start slow when jumping into a physical fitness routine. Rushing into physical activity will put significant strain and stress on your body, resulting in soreness and pain during the subsequent days.
You can become more active as you get consistent with your exercise routine. Build your strength and stamina by increasing the length and frequency of physical activity.
Your exercise routine will be challenging at first. Stick with it, and you’ll reap the benefits of a healthy body and mind. The challenge is worth it; your body will thank you for your efforts.
2. Make Consistent Effort
You’ll have days when exercise and physical activity sound terrible, but consistent effort is critical to active senior living. The best way to overcome those challenging days is to find activities you enjoy.
Take walks on beautiful days, or learn to play pickleball. Having activities you look for and that keep you active is a vital step toward getting the most from your golden years.
It’s better to do less than usual than nothing during your day. Activities as simple as walking around your home every hour will help to stimulate blood flow and give your muscles the necessary exercise.
If you want to enjoy retirement, don’t give up on creating an exercise routine. It will become a standard part of each day and help you enjoy retirement with friends and family.
3. Set Goals
Goals are the ultimate motivation when breaking habits and living an active lifestyle at retirement age. You’ll have a benchmark you aim to reach through physical activity and determination.
Your goals should be unique and fitting for your health situation, stamina, and objectives. Ensure your goals are attainable to avoid getting frustrated with your progress.
It’s best to aim for 30 minutes of physical activity daily. If exercising for 30 minutes straight through is too taxing, break the time into 10-minute segments. It will put less strain and tension on your body while providing many of the same benefits.
4. Monitor Your Progress
After setting your goals and beginning your new physical activity routine, monitoring your progress is beneficial. The goals you’ve set are ideal benchmarks to aim for. When you chart your progress, you’ll have tangible proof of the benefits you’re gaining.
Tracking progress can look as simple as marking days on your calendar for each workout you complete or investing in a fitness tracker. The fitness tracker will provide data about your heart rate, the number of steps and stairs you take, and the time you spend exercising.
You’ll have a visual representation of your steps to enjoy active senior living. Physical proof of your commitment to health and excellence will further motivate your quest to get the most from your golden years.
5. Mix Activities Up
Finding physical activities you enjoy is exciting, but they’ll quickly become dull if they’re all you do daily. One of the best tips you can use to enjoy retirement is to find several physical activities you enjoy and participate in during the week.
If you’re staying at an assisted living facility, consider joining in the community’s yoga and stretching events. It’s an excellent option to provide your body with functional strength. You’ll prevent injuries on the other days when you’re playing pickleball with friends.
Other fun activities include walking when the weather is nice, swimming, and aerobic exercises. Your body will feel better at retirement age than it did when you were in your prime. Check out the Retirement Communities in Tucson to find the perfect place to enjoy retirement.
6. Find a Friend
Friends are the ultimate accountability buddies. Finding a friend at your retirement center will help you enjoy physical activities more than attempting to build a routine alone.
Your friend can become a pickleball partner or someone who attends workout classes with you and pushes you to be your best. Consider creating a friendly competition between you and your friend to see who reaches their fitness goals.
7. Discover Indoor Activities
Many of the best ways to enjoy active senior living involve spending time outdoors. Unfortunately, the weather is not always conducive to outdoor activities. Winter weather and spring storms are likely to push you indoors, and it’s vital to find activities you enjoy to stay active and continue your physical progress.
Look for online fitness videos you can follow to stay active. Walking in your home is another option to consider. You’ll continue progressing toward your goals when you get creative with indoor exercises.
8. Create Fun
The last tip for active senior living is to have fun. Many of your stressors will melt away when you reach retirement age, and bitterness is a poor way to spend your golden years. Find activities and people who add color, life, and fun to your retirement.
Take Steps Toward Active Senior Living Today
Age should not limit your ability to stay active and discover fun activities during your golden years. You can use several tips to keep active after moving to retirement communities. Set goals and participate in exercises with friends to stay accountable.
Find activities you enjoy and mix them up to prevent boredom and overusing muscles. Monitor your progress through fitness trackers or your calendar.
Retirement can be some of the best years of your life if you invest in your health. Visit our blog page for health guides and advice for a long and happy life today!
