It’s important for people of every age to get exercise year-round. But the winter months can make it difficult to get sufficient exercise, especially for seniors. Arthritis and other joint issues are common among older adults, and cold winter weather can make joints extra painful. But exercise is important for older adults because it improves mobility, independence and oftentimes increases happiness.
Thus, even if you are unable to go outside for a walk, jog or bike ride, there are plenty of indoor exercises to help you stay fit and healthy even when the weather outside is frightful. Here are some great exercise ideas:
Take a walk
Walking for 30 minutes a day is a great exercise for older adults. When it’s too cold to be outside, take a walk on an indoor track or treadmill where you can easily keep track of your distance traveled. If walking isn’t your favorite thing but you want to do it anyway for exercise, hit the mall for after holiday sales and make sure to walk the length of the mall a few times. You can also get more exercise in your daily life from doing things like parking a distance from the store so you need to walk further to the store’s entrance.
Go for a swim
Sign up for a membership or go to a low-cost community center that has a heated indoor pool. Swimming is excellent for older adults’ health because the water’s buoyancy is easy on the joints and swimming strengthens the muscles to improve joint support.
Exercise classes and videos
If you’re able, attend an exercise course at a gym or community center that is specifically for seniors, you should try it out. There are courses like low-impact aerobics, yoga and tai chi, as well as courses that teach you how to stretch and exercise using workout bands. This is a good way to meet other people as well and avoid the isolation that winter can cause. Or, attend one class so you know the proper movements and then use a workout DVD at home and invite friends or family over to do the routine with you. You can also find exercise videos just for older adults that will help you do easy workouts at home.