The Importance of Exercise for Older Adults

You’ve heard it since you were a kid – keep moving and stay physically active. As we age, this continues to be something we should always remember. In fact, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services recommends that most older adults participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or an equivalent combination of each per week for substantial health benefits.

Although it’s important to keep a routine and reach these activity goals, in order to avoid burnout, you may want to switch up your exercises. Maybe one day a week switch out a brisk walk for swimming. Or join a friend for a new fitness class. At Meadow Lakes, our vibrant living is all about getting physical. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite ways to get moving right within our community.

Easy Exercises for Seniors Right in Your Community

• Take a Brisk Walk: Make your pace a little faster when going on a longer walk – brisk walking packs a powerful punch when consistently added to your routine at least three or four times a week. Thankfully, you don’t have to go far to find a beautiful view for your afternoon stroll. Our campus is surrounded by a stunning, accredited arboretum with numerous walking trials for you to enjoy.
• Play a Friendly Game of Croquet: This leisure sport offers gentle exercise without hard impact on your body. The croquet following is strong in our community; with both an indoor and outdoor croquet court, you have the daily opportunity to get involved in this friendly competition.
• Stretch Your Body with Yoga: Yoga helps build muscle strength, core stability and total-body mobility while still being gentle on your joints. This activity also doesn’t require any equipment, so you’re easily able to practice right in the comfort of your own spacious apartment or cottage.
• Get in a Pool: Swimming is a highly beneficial, low-impact aerobic exercise. With correct technique, you’re able to work out all muscles in your body without overworking your joints. At Meadow Lakes, you have year-round access to a pool. We not only have an indoor, heated pool, but an outdoor pool as well for those warmer summer months.
• Dance Around the Room: Dancing improves your muscle strength, endurance and motor skills. We offer a weekly dance mix that allows you to move your body while having fun with neighbors.

Discover the Benefits of Exercising at Meadow Lakes

At Meadow Lakes, we offer LivWell, our award-winning holistic wellness program. Through this program, we focus on all seven dimensions of wellness, including physical wellness. Along with structured fitness classes and other activities offered, including aqua aerobics and a seated body tune-up exercise, you always have access to our state-of-the-art fitness center and pools. We are happy to work with you to personalize your experience and learn your goals to share what available activities might be the most beneficial for you.

Contact us today to learn more and schedule your personal tour.