5 Low-Impact Exercise Options For Seniors

Living an active lifestyle is essential for keeping the body healthy with age. It is recommended that Seniors remain physically active for as long as possible to help promote a longer, happier, and healthier life.

As we age, certain things can become more challenging. Getting out of bed may require more effort, walking may cause you to feel winded, and muscles and joints may feel sorer or more fatigued. Staying active can help make those daily tasks you’re used to completing with ease much more doable again.

Keeping up your strength with age can also help decrease the likelihood of experiencing a fall. With age, even minor falls can cause serious injury. Staying active can help with balance and flexibility, making falls less likely. Integracare, a home care company providing palliative care in Toronto, believes that independent living for Seniors is a large contributor to joyful living. By staying active, seniors can remain independent for much longer and thus increase their quality of life.

While being active is extremely important, it’s also essential to focus on exercises that won’t damage older bones and muscles. It’s important to speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise program to ensure you won’t be harming yourself.

Here are a few low-impact exercise options that are great for Seniors.

1. Walking

Walking is a great way for Seniors to get in some cardio without the harsh impact that running has. Walking is much softer on the joints, so it won’t leave you feeling achy and sore.

Because no equipment is needed, walking is a very accessible way for Seniors to exercise. They can walk around their neighborhood or even their house whenever they wish.

2. Yoga

Yoga helps with flexibility, balance, and strength, which are essential for completing daily tasks. If getting on the floor for traditional mat yoga is not possible, you can do yoga seated on a chair, bed, or couch instead.

Yoga is not only great for the body, but it has several benefits for the mind as well. Taking the time to slow down and focus only on your breathing can help increase mental clarity and decrease anxiety.

3. Swimming

Swimming puts zero impact on joints making it a great exercise for Seniors, especially those suffering from arthritis or other illnesses that cause joint and muscle pain. Whether you want to swim laps or take part in a water aerobics class, water activities can help with strength, cardiovascular endurance, and lower blood pressure.

4. Cycling

Cycling is also a great way to get in some cardio as a Senior because of how gentle it is on the joints. Recumbent bikes can be a great option for Seniors as they allow you to sit in a more comfortable position and eliminate the need to be hunched over the handlebars.

5. Pilates

Like yoga, Pilates is a form of exercise that combines strengthening movements with a focus on the breath. Classes can be done in person or online from the comfort of your home. You’ll need a few more pieces of equipment, such as a Pilates ball, yoga mat, and light weights if you choose.

Pilates is great for building strength, balance, and mental clarity and is very minimal impact as it doesn’t contain any jumping or harsh movements.