As adults age, they become more susceptible to a multitude of diseases and ailments. Though getting older is inevitable, a senior citizen’s health can be greatly impacted by making lifestyle choices. Yet many senior citizens are not as physically active in their older years as they were in their youth. This lack of exercise only worsens the complications that come with aging.
The programs below are all aimed at improving senior citizens’ health, with a particular emphasis on physical activity. Through an active lifestyle, any senior citizen can improve his or her quality of life. The Seniors in Motion section of the Toolbox is designed to help communities implement programs that promote wellness through physical activity. This section of the Toolbox also includes brief information on the “built environment” – the buildings, spaces and products that are created or modified by people, including sidewalks, parks/recreation areas, greenways, business areas and transportation systems.
Walking Programs
Walking programs are perhaps the easiest exercise programs for communities to start and for senior citizens to join. Walking is fun, inexpensive, and easy for most. Minimal organization is needed to coordinate the walking patterns of a dedicated group of senior citizens. Unlike other exercise programs, there are no dress or fitness requirements. The walking programs included in this Toolbox, as well as many other walking groups throughout the country, all provide an opportunity for seniors to exercise at their own rate and to make new friends. An additional benefit of walking programs is the ease with which one can evaluate outcomes and results of the program.
Exercise Classes
Exercise classes for senior citizens prove that persons of any age can benefit from moderate exercise. The exercise classes highlighted in this Toolbox all offer a safe and comfortable environment for senior citizens to engage in physical activity and maintain or improve their level of fitness. Through exercise classes, senior citizens learn about the importance of regular exercise and the impact it can have on their quality of life. These classes also produced measurable improvements in seniors’ balance, flexibility, and by extension, safety.
Senior Exercise Facilities
Health and fitness programs are an increasingly popular part of senior living communities. Residents and staff alike realize the positive health impacts, and potential financial benefits, that comes with improving residents’ fitness. Through exercise facilities and wellness programs, many seniors become more independent and less reliant on walking aids, the community staff, and emergency health care. Doing so improves the quality of life for the resident and his or her neighbors and friends. The three senior communities profiled in this Toolbox have each implemented a successful exercise facility for their respective residents.
Aquatic Programs
Aquatic programs, especially water aerobics, are an excellent way for senior citizens to get the exercise they need. Water aerobics allows seniors to exercise without putting excess strain on joints and muscles. In fact, walking and jogging underwater not only strengthens the leg and hip muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings, but it also burns twice as many calories as walking and jogging on land. Aquatic programs provide a safe, friendly and supportive atmosphere in which seniors can make new friends, try new activities, and improve their health.
