Regular exercise has wonderful effects on our bodies and mind. It helps boost energy and strengthen our muscles that will keep us at a healthy weight and lessen our chances of such diseases as diabetes or heart disease. When we are active it also improves flexibility which assists with your muscle strength to maintain independence in getting out and staying active. Exercise also helps improve our mood. If we choose to participate in group activities, that is another great way to increase our mood and is a great motivation for exercising regularly. Other benefits of exercising daily are better sleep, improves balance and also will help improve an individual's stamina and overall health.
Age doesn't matter and even with physical limitation or a disability there are great ways to keep active. In the kid's film, Nemo, Dori says to Nemo "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming." That's exactly it. Just keep moving! There are many senior programs and other exercise groups who specifically are modified for seniors or others with physical limitations. Even a small amount of physical activity daily will make a large difference. The benefits from exercise are definitely worth it.
Here are a few ideas for fun activities!
1. Water aerobics - This is a perfect activity for seniors or those with arthritis or back problems. It is low impact and reduces the stress on joints, knees and back.
2. Silver Sneakers - there are many senior exercise programs at your local gym or other facility available with modified activities for groups.
3 Modified Yoga - Yoga is a wonderful strengthening and stretching activity.
