Ample daylight. Cooler temperatures. September is arguably the most outdoorsy month of the year. Which means it’s the perfect time to dust off the sneakers and pencil in some time to get active with a senior loved one or friend.
Not only is exercise great for toning up the body, it’s also one of the best things you can do to keep a sharp mind. According to research from the Harvard Medical School, regular aerobic exercise improves memory and betters thinking skills. There’s also ample evidence it can reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.
And the other great thing about aerobic exercise is that it can be as versatile as you want it to be. From walking a track or swimming in the pool, to hiking or biking a trail, no week must be the same when it comes to staying active. September 29 is also World Heart Day, a great reminder to stay fit and healthy – for your heart’s sake.
Aside from aerobics and cardio, strength and agility exercises are also great for you and your senior fitness partner to partake in. Chair yoga has become popular in recent years due to its low impact on the body and fabulous strengthening of the muscles and bones. Resistance bands are another great option for getting the heart rate up and can help with everything from muscle toning to improving posture.
If a senior isn’t up for much physical exertion, take things slow. Getting them up to walk to the mailbox, across the backyard, or down a hallway is a great way to start a moving routine. It’s also a great way to ensure they receive more social interaction during the week – a problem nearly 1 in 4 aging seniors in the U.S. face.
Regardless of what exercise you decide on to get things moving, make sure you don’t forget the most important part of getting together: having fun. Enjoying your time with a senior while improving your health is a two-for-one deal that is hard to beat. And it’s arguably one of the best routines you can start in the month of September.
How are you staying active? Post a picture doing an activity with a senior and tag @imreadytocare on Facebook or Instagram.
