During youthful years you’re able to work hard and party longer. Staying up late and making it into work by nine isn’t a challenge at 21.
But as we age our bodies start to slow down and need to rest. According to LiveScience, elderly people ages 65 and older, need deep sleep. However, many older people suffer from insomnia or difficulty falling and staying asleep.
To develop a better sleep pattern it’s essential to exercise. Your age shouldn’t keep you from staying fit.
If you’re interested in activities for older adults continue reading.
Five Fun Activities for Older Adults
When you think of the growing older, sports doesn’t automatically come to mind. But remaining active throughout your life is beneficial. Exercise improves sleep quality, strength, balance, energy, mood, and brain activity, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Exercising is fun and helps you maintain a youthful figure and mind. There are plenty of activities for older adults. Seniors should engage in two and a half hours of aerobic exercise each week, according to Family Doctor.
If you’re concerned about physical fitness for anyone 65 and older, then speak with a doctor before beginning an exercise program.
When you’re doctor gives the green light consider trying Zumba, dancing, pickleball, basketball, and bike riding.
1. Zumba
According to Silver Sneakers, Zumba is a low-impact activity, which is easy on the joints, keeps your brain sharp, increases relaxation and laughter.
Zumba increases the heart rate, preserves the joints and muscles, improves balance, and coordination.
Another benefit of Zumba is the way it keeps your brain focused through hand-eye coordination.
If you’re not very coordinated, don’t worry. Zumba isn’t about doing the movements like a pro. It’s about being in the moment and enjoying yourself.
But remember practice makes perfect. So if your first attempt at Zumba has you misstepping or bumping into someone, it’s okay. Push yourself to go back and try again.
2. Dancing
Who doesn’t enjoy dancing? Alright, maybe there are a lot of people who shy away from the dance floor. That doesn’t mean you can’t try it later in life.
Dancing is a form of movement with a partner or solo to the sound of music or beats. The act of dancing takes on many forms, depending on the culture. Some dances have names and structured steps to follow. Other dances are improvised on the dancefloor.
Regardless of the type of dancing you prefer, it provides advantages for your body and mind. According to AgingCare.com, dancing protects the heart by elevating your heart rate and lowering the chance of cardiac failure. It also lowers blood pressure and helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Dancing also reduces the signs of Depression through a decrease in stress, anxiety, and increased sleep.
3. Pickleball
Pickleball has nothing to do with those tasty dill treats. It’s a game similar to tennis, table tennis, and badminton. Players of two to four use a paddle to knock the ball back and forth over a net.
Like tennis, pickleball is all about the paddle. The best pickleball paddles are medium to lightweight, quieter when hitting the ball, have a larger face, water-resistant, and inexpensive.
Pickleball offers many of the benefits of dancing and Zumba, but it’s also addictive, according to SilverSneakers. People start playing the game when a friend or loved one invites them. Once they’ve gotten a taste of the sport, they don’t want to stop.
Pickleball is an interactive sport for adults of all ages, but it’s safe for the elderly too.
4. Basketball
We’re all familiar with the game of basketball. Most of us were asked to play it during physical education classes in elementary and high school.
Many people love watching basketball. But it’s also a great sport to play as an adult.
According to USA Today, basketball is terrific for staying fit, elevating your heart rate, developing friendships, and having fun.
The movements up and down the court help you burn calories, use your brain to focus, improve balance, and hand-eye coordination.
While most people wouldn’t think to play basketball at 65, it’s an activity that gets you moving and motivated.
Being on a team is essential for our mood, even as we age. When you’re on the court helping your mates, it makes you feel good by creating a bond.
Plus, shooting baskets is another way to improve your coordination.
5. Bike Riding
Learning to ride a bike is a right of passage in childhood. It’s exciting to transition from a tricycle to a two-wheel.
Bike riding helps you lose weight, boost heart rate, maintain a healthy memory, and prevent health issues like cancer, according to Home Care Assistance.
Your body needs exercise each week, so riding a bike is perfect to keep your heart pumping.
Maintaining balance also helps your brain stay sharp.
But preventing illnesses like cancer is also a perk of riding a bike. Staying active strengthens your immune system and helps fight or prevent sickness.
Plus, if you have diabetes, it’s especially beneficial for blood flow through the legs since amputation is a risk for diabetes patients.
If you don’t want to purchase a bicycle, then consider using a bike machine. They allow you to exercise during inclement weather and the colder months.
Start Now
Activities for older adults are a great way to stay fit and feel good. It doesn’t matter which exercise you do, many of them are beneficial. Don’t let fear keep you from trying something new, especially if it’ll increase your wellness.
To learn more helpful health-related tips, check out our website.
