The value of staying active and healthy can’t be overstated, especially for those in their golden years.
In this article we’ll explore why physical fitness matters in particular for older adults. Then, we’ll share three specific types of exercise for seniors over 75 that support the CDC recommendations. Let’s dive in.
Exercise Helps Seniors Maintain Overall Health
First and foremost, exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity can help seniors reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, exercise can improve mental health by reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
Exercise Supports Mobility and Balance for Seniors
Secondly, exercise is essential for maintaining and improving mobility and balance. Aging can lead to a decline in muscle strength and flexibility, making it harder for seniors to perform everyday tasks. Engaging in regular physical activity can help seniors maintain their independence and prevent falls, which are a leading cause of injury among older adults.
3 Excellent Methods of Exercise for Seniors over 75
Walking
This simple, low-impact exercise is perfect for seniors. It can be easily adapted to any fitness level and can be done anywhere, anytime. Walking helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and improve balance.
As a bonus, walking with friends is a wonderful social activity that can build connections with family or peers and reduce feelings of social isolation.
Chair exercises
For those with limited mobility or balance issues, chair exercises can be an excellent option. Common examples include seated marches, seated leg lifts, and seated arm curls.
Studies show chair-based exercises are simple yet effective in maintaining and improving muscle strength in older adults.
Swimming
This low-impact exercise is gentle on the joints and can be an excellent option for seniors with arthritis or other joint issues. Swimming can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.
Besides the physical benefits, one study even suggests that swimming may improve mental speed and acuity in older adults.
Get Your Free 1:1 Caregiving Support
The importance of exercise for seniors over 75 is clear, but sometimes it’s not straightforward to help them create a fitness program that matches both their current physical and mental abilities. Would you like personal, customized help assessing the physical fitness needs of your senior loved one—completely free of charge?
Get compassionate caregiving support in one of these three easy ways.
Visit our support page and request your complimentary Caregiver Workbook.
Call our Caregiver Hotline for free custom support at 855-461-2552. We’re here to help.
Send us a message describing how we can support you. Choose whether you’d like us to reach out: text, email, or snail mail.
Again, there is no charge for these services. They’re simply an extension of our mission to help every family who calls.
