Exercises For Older Adults: Resources For Healthy Aging
Movement and exercise is invaluable to maintaining our health and independence. Learning healthy habits with exercise and physical activity starts in young children. But, as we start to get older it can be difficult to maintain or to get started. This is for a number of reasons- and not all of them may be in our control. The recommendations for healthy exercise include cardio, strength training, flexibility and balance training. That can seem overwhelming! If you are looking for exercises for older adults there are plenty of fun and engaging options available, we just have to know where to look!
I have talked about some of these before. Take a look at Chair Yoga for Cardio and Chair Yoga for Functional Strength if you are interested. But, it doesn’t have to be complicated- sometimes we just need a place to get started. Keep reading for some ideas for exercises for older adults and healthy aging resources.
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What you may not be familiar with is the many ways and services that may be available to you to help you get that physical activity. Now, not everything is for everyone. But, I thought that I would highlight some programs or organizations that can serve as healthy aging resources that you may not be aware of. These 5 healthy aging resources focus on some aspect of physical activity. Take a look and see if any of these programs may resonate with you or someone you care for-or take a look at the end of the post for some other tips on finding exercises for older adults. As these are independent programs, be sure to take a look at the individual websites for the latest information.
5 Healthy Aging Resources for Seniors: To Help Stay Active
1. Silver Sneakers
This program is a part of certain qualifying Medicare health insurance plans. Check here to see if your plan covers it-it is worth checking it out. So what do you get? You get access to online live classes and workshops, as well as a library of on-demand videos that you can do at any time. These classes are specifically designed for seniors of all abilities. You also get access to participating gyms and community centers in your area.
There is something for everyone. If you are looking to get out of the house and socialize- check out the availability in your area. Don’t want to leave the house but want to feel like you are part of the action? – try a live class online. And, you can also take a look at the on- demand videos they have to offer and try them at your own pace right at home. As always, listen to your body and be kind to yourself. If you are just starting out, give yourself some time to learn something new.
2. Renew Active
This is another program similar to Silver Sneakers that is included in some other Medicare plans (the world of insurance is ever changing -so look into these two programs and take advantage of them if you are eligible). This program is similar in that it offers live, in person classes, and on- demand videos, but it also includes programs for brain health. The brain health program is called AARP Staying Sharp and includes an assessment, personalized recommendations, articles, games, and videos. If you have this benefit, I would encourage you to check it out and see if any of the offerings resonate with you. Take a look at their website to see if you qualify.
3. Otago Balance program
This is a home based exercise program focused on strengthening and balance retraining to help reduce falls. It was developed by the New Zealand Falls Prevention Research Group. You will basically be doing the prescribed exercises three times each week. It is designed to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and reaction time to reduce fall risk. A walking component is also part of the program The program is completed with supervision from a physical therapist. You will then be performing the exercises independently with visits from the therapist throughout.
It is an evidenced based program and it may be covered by insurance. It gives a bit of the best of both words as you can stay at home and still get direct assistance- but are not dealing with several scheduled appointments each week. It is offered by specially trained physical therapists. Take a look at this link to help you find a provider in your area and learn how you can get started.
4. Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program
If you or someone you care for has arthritis, I encourage you to take a look at the Arthritis Foundation website. If you have been interested in starting a walking program but you have arthritis and are wondering how to begin, how to get motivated, or just could use some extra support- take a look at their Walk with Ease Program. It is a 6 week program that will teach you how to incorporate activity into your day in a safe manner. It incorporates walking, stretching, strengthening, and motivation tips.
Take a look at their website for more information and to see if it may be right for you. This may be a good option if you would like to do it independently or with a friend or family member. The other option is a group session that meets 3 times a week for 6 weeks and they are offered in various locations around the country through various organizations. These include university extension programs or through your local Arthritis Foundation chapter. I recommend giving them a call to see if there is one in your location if that is of interest to you.
5. Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program
Does the thought of exercising with weights or walking not appeal to you because you have issues related to joint pain? Have you thought about trying water exercise but weren’t sure where to begin? Water exercises can be a wonderful way to get some activity, build strength and range of motion, and help alleviate joint pain. These classes include water walking, stretching, mobility- all with a focus on functional mobility.
Swimming skills are not required- so not to worry, this is not lap swimming. Also, a diagnosis of arthritis is not required. These classes are for anyone who could use some low impact exercise, have any number of conditions that involve joint pain, or really just about anyone who wants to move and feel better. If you have a YMCA near you, give them a call to learn about their aquatic class offerings. Or take a look here, to find more information on this or other programs: Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program
I hope that you found something that may be helpful to you or someone you care for, or at least gave you some ideas to think about. Programs and insurances are always changing, so if you have any thoughts or new ideas let me know! Keep reading for a few more tips on finding exercises for older adults.
Want More Resources And Exercises For Older Adults?
Search your local area for options that are free- senior centers and local libraries will have information on community resources that are available to you.
You may also be interested in this resource regarding transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities: Transportation Resource Guide for Seniors & Individuals With Disabilities
This article has travel tips for seniors: 6 Travel Tips For Seniors
Your local YMCA will also have multiple classes and programs that you can participate in to stay active and engaged-Remember that physical activity does not always have to be formal. They may also be a participant in Silver Sneakers or Renew Active.
This is a great resource for online safety: The Ultimate On Line Safety Guide For Seniors
Take a look at Motivation for Movement for some ways to overcome common barriers to exercising.
Check out the National Council on Aging website for more helpful information and to find more resources.
If you have a difficult time finding proper footwear because of a medical condition or have difficulty finding wide shoes, shoes for comfort, diabetic conditions, or orthopedic issues, you may be interested in taking a look at some of the offerings at ICS Shoes
Don’t forget that there are many options for home exercises for varying abilities on You Tube with a quick search- always remember to be mindful of any personal contraindications or restrictions that you may have and always check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.
If you are interested in chair yoga, take a look at The Peaceful Chair YouTube Channel.
You may be interested in Chair Exercises with Yoga Blocks:
Let me know if you have any resources for keeping active that you would like to share!
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Namaste!
Disclaimer: The Peaceful Chair and thepeacefulchair.com strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before starting this or any exercise program.The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not to be used in place of medical advice or information from your healthcare provider. Neither The Peaceful Chair, the peacefulchair.com, nor any of its contributors shall be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information described and/or contained herein and assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information contained in any links, videos, or any content on this website.
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