If you were considerably sporty when you were younger and have vowed to continue this practice as you age, not only will your physical health benefit, but so too will your mental well-being.
If, on the other hand, you have admittedly let your regular exercise drop off in recent times, then it is time to get back out there and engage in rewarding and physically strenuous activity, which is, of course, age-appropriate.
With that in mind, here are some great physical health and fitness boosts for older people.
Daily Standing Exercises
Just a couple of minutes every morning spent dedicated to exercising can make a significant difference to your stamina levels as well as your overall fitness.
The following exercise could be followed four or more times a day and will strengthen your core:
- Sit on an armless chair and cross your arms on your chest
- Lean forward as comfortably as possible
- Place your full weight on your feet
- Stand using the strength from straightening your knees
- Repeat more and more times every day as this exercise gets easier
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Next, even though the dated BMI chart (used to determine your ‘ideal’ weight) is largely considered to be inaccurate now, doing everything you can to stay an average weight for your height and body shape will do wonders for your physical health.
Obese and overweight people can be at a higher risk of developing high blood cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, experiencing a stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, should you be considered underweight, this comes with its own set of health risks, including a weaker bone density, diminished cognitive capabilities, and a less efficient immune system.
Get Outside in the Garden
Gardening can be as strenuous as removing an old tree trunk from the corner of the yard (frankly not advisable) to lightly cultivating the hanging baskets, and regardless, any type of physical exercise outside is to be encouraged.
Morris Care Homes in Shropshire & Cheshire is a reputable and renowned group of care homes that places a substantial focus on ensuring its residents spend time outside every day and, where possible, help to maintain and beautify the community garden and grounds.
Follow a Healthy Eating Plan
Nobody would suggest you entirely abandon your love for candies and cookies, but maintaining a healthy and balanced diet as you age is an important aspect of physical health and well-being, especially for seniors.
Make sure you include an array of fresh vegetables with your evening meal, that you drink at least a couple of glasses of water throughout the day, and that you avoid eating stodgy and calorific foods too late at night.
In addition, remember that both takeout and restaurant portions of food are generally double (or more) the size of the recommended intake for one meal, so do not be shy to ask if you can take the rest of your meal home to save for the following mealtime.
