4 Fun Ways For Aging Adults To Stay Physically Active

4 Fun Ways For Aging Adults To Stay Physically Active
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Aging is inevitable. There may be some advancements today to defy aging on the skin and make people look younger than their age, but one’s body will eventually succumb to the expected effects of aging in due time. 

One common chronic disease associated with aging is sarcopenia. When you reach the age of 50, you’ll notice that your muscles are declining. Sarcopenia means a lack of flesh. It’s an age-related condition with degeneration of muscles due to several factors. Muscles can degenerate because of the following: 

  • Lower levels of growth hormones in the body
  • The body’s decline to turn protein into muscle
  • Increased inflammation
  • Interference with the signal between the brain and the muscles
  • Cellular changes
  • Prolonged bed rest
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Poor nutrition
  • Dental and oral problems
  • Obesity
  • Chronic diseases

Although sarcopenia may appear inevitable, you can still prevent it from escalating fast by engaging in physical activities. If you wish to enroll in physical classes, you may check out https://vivanteliving.com/ and other similar programs.

Aim For A Successful Aging

Successful aging is growing through your older years gracefully. It is aging but maintaining physical vitality, cognitive abilities, and robust social relationships. It doesn’t mean living longer but living and enjoying all of your life’s hard work in your retirement age. Moreover, this means having the freedom to enjoy life, see the world and interact with the people you love under normal circumstances and not in a care facility.

There are many ways to achieve this; the three most important components are your physical, mental, and social well-being. This article will focus on your physical well-being and avoiding sarcopenia. Below are fun activities that you can do to stay physically active:

  1. Zumba

Zumba is widely popular worldwide and used by many seniors to keep active in their golden years. The high energy and upbeat fun class became an excellent medium for many people, including older adults. In fact, for older adults, a new type of class was formulated called Zumba Gold. It has the same fun music and flair but with a lower intensity of movements. 

The dance involves the movement of the entire body, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Even if you have two left feet, you can enjoy Zumba, and no one will judge you. Aside from burning calories and fat, you’ll build endurance and improve your muscle tone, joint health, and cardiovascular health. 

You can also gain many friends in the community. You’ll see your social calendar fill up as you enjoy attending functions with your Zumba mates outside the gym. 

  1. Yoga

Yoga can immensely help slow the effects of aging. Many older adults enjoy yoga because it keeps their mind sharp, reduces their body pains, lowers their stress levels, helps them sleep better, and keep them balanced and centered. 

As one ages, the joints become stiff. Specific yoga poses applicable to older adults can help relieve joint stiffness and make the muscles relax and loosen, thereby increasing the range of motion. Overall, it can help develop a senior’s flexibility while improving their mental health. 

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  1. Gardening

Older people who may not be comfortable donning activewear and going to the gym can stay physically active at home and do some gardening. It’s a simple activity that can improve one’s overall well-being. For example, gardening with your family or teaching your grandchildren how to tend a garden is a great way to bond. Not to mention, engaging with nature can boost your mood and reduce negative thoughts.

Gardening can improve one’s dexterity, endurance, and sensory awareness. It’s a good physical activity in the morning, especially with sun exposure, loaded with vitamin D. This is excellent for bone health, immunity, and muscle function. Since vitamin D isn’t naturally found in food, the time spent outdoors can significantly help achieve the recommended daily allowance of this essential vitamin.

  1. Tai Chi

In the past, you have probably seen a group of older people in white robes slowly flexing their moves at a park. This is an ancient Chinese movement called Tai Chi. Also called shadowboxing, Tai Chi is gentle movements and stretches that improve your life’s energy. It focuses on muscle control, balance, flexibility, and stability. 

Tai Chi has many great health benefits for older adults, including reducing stress, improving mood, sleep, and cognition, and improving the symptoms of debilitating illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Conclusion

Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength. You don’t need to succumb to the apparent effects of aging. Instead, you can defy them by incorporating some healthy lifestyle changes even at a younger age. You can begin by eating healthy, quitting vices like smoking and drinking, maintaining healthy relationships, and engaging in fun physical activities like the ones mentioned above.


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I am a pop culture and social media expert. Aside from writing about the latest news health, I also enjoy pop culture and Yoga. I have BA in American Cultural Studies and currently enrolled in a Mass-Media MA program. I like to spend my spring breaks volunteering overseas.

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