No matter how well you take care of yourself, your body changes with age. You might notice a smaller range of motion or other physical limitations. If you have medical conditions, they might impact what you can do. Before increasing your activity level, check in with your health care provider to make sure it's safe. Ask if you should restrict what you do based on your medical history.
Some health conditions make it more challenging to exercise or make you feel like you can't exercise. For instance, osteoarthritis causes pain that might make you avoid moving. However, exercise is often beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and COPD. Following your treatment protocol for your chronic conditions can help keep the symptoms under control. This, in turn, helps you feel better and makes exercise more appealing.
Managing your health conditions also improves your ability to do physical activities in many cases. For example, untreated diabetes can cause neuropathy, which can make certain physical movements difficult and could limit the type of exercise you can do.
In Thornton, the weather changes significantly throughout the year. Exploring nature on walks outside is easier and safer in the summer when you don't have to deal with ice, snow and slippery sidewalks. Having options for each season keeps you active year-round. During the winter months, you might want to work up a sweat in the fitness center at Bethesda Gardens Thornton or turn on an exercise video in your assisted living apartment. In the fall, taking a hike or nature walk to look at the changing leaves offers a fitting exercise solution.
Doing the same activities all the time can get old. Shake up your workout routine by taking a senior exercise class or another type of active class. For instance, you might look for ballroom dancing classes nearby. You learn something new and move your body.
Think about the hobbies or interests you currently have and try to make them more active. Including your favorite activities or people into your exercise routine can make it feel more enjoyable and less like work. Building off things you already do can also help exercise become more of a habit. Here are some examples:
Socializing as you age is also an important activity. It keeps you from feeling lonely and isolated, which can boost your mood. Instead of scheduling sedentary social activities, such as game nights or coffee dates, get moving together. Try grabbing your coffee to go and sip it while you talk. Several sports for retirees, such as pickleball and bowling, give you the chance to chat while you play. You could start your own club, such as a walking or tennis group, that meets regularly to catch up and work up a sweat.
Including different types of exercise gives you a well-rounded workout and could enhance the benefits you gain. Types of exercises to do include:
Many exercises incorporate multiple types. For example, yoga involves balance, strength and flexibility.
To stick with an active routine, start based on your current fitness level and gradually increase the intensity. Be realistic about your current condition and any limitations you have. Set short-term goals, such as exercising for 20 minutes per day 3 days per week. When you reach your first goal consistently, create a new, more challenging goal. This keeps you motivated and helps you track your progress.
