Plato’s philosophy of motion says that lack of activity can destroy every good condition of the human being, while movement and physical exercise save and preserve it. Even in the golden years, people should strive to live an active life to enhance their overall health. Seniors tend to live longer and avoid diseases when they engage in many physical activities.
Besides, active senior citizens enjoy better sleep, which reduces the risk of mental health challenges. Even those who start their workouts in their 70s and 80s still benefit from staying active. Seniors who live in a community setting get many opportunities for physical activities. They also get chances to nurture friendships, have fun, learn, and stay healthy. Here are various ways senior living programs encourage active living.
Fitness Programs
Ever met people who believed that seniors are too old to stay active? Some people assume that elders need more rest to enjoy their golden years, but that affects their health. This is why senior living communities have fitness programs designed to keep older adults active.
Seniors focus on low-impact exercises at first and advance to strenuous ones later. For example, elders improve their cardiovascular health when they practice low-impact aerobics. Chair yoga reduces stress and improves flexibility. Energetic seniors can go for strength training.
During the workout, they use light weights and strength bands for bone density and muscle mass. Retirement communities hire competent professionals to help with daily care and engagement. They have recreational therapists and fitness trainers to monitor residents. These professionals often customize exercises to ensure seniors are safe.
Activity Calendar
Other than fitness programs, residents enjoy active living, including social activities. There are dedicated teams that help create activity calendars customized to complement the interests and needs of the residents.
This makes it easier to live a private life while still enjoying collective activities and promoting physical health. The professionals plan activities that are known to support full-body wellness, while those at home only engage in activities when they want. They cater to their psychological, physical, and mental needs.
Support From Peers
Seniors living alone usually lack the same opportunities and motivation to stay active as those in a community. Those living in communities have peers who accompany them in everything they do. They also have scheduled activities in designated spaces.
So, it is easier to start a fitness routine and pursue fitness goals with peers in a structured community setting, rather than doing everything alone in an isolated home. When residents have a personal challenge, they can share it with their peers in the community and find a solution. However, the older adults aging in their conventional homes may not have such an opportunity.
Variety of Programs
Each day can be different in a senior community since seniors participate in activities based on their abilities and preferences. They can organize group activities and outings. Some communities organize game nights and cultural outings to museums or theaters. With so many choices, residents have various opportunities to build friendships and stay healthy.
It is clear that physically active seniors enjoy many significant benefits. They also reduce stress and sleep better after a busy day. So anyone looking for a senior living community should pick the one that supports active living to ensure their loved one is active and healthy. The community should offer a full range of programs that improve focus on mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
