Living with hearing loss doesn’t need to limit how often you exercise. No matter what you like to do to get your 30 minutes of cardio per day – like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends – you can do an exercise you enjoy. You may only need to make a few modifications. Here are some ideas:
Swimming
Swimming is an excellent exercise for active senior living because it is easy on the joints. Many people – both young and old -also enjoy water aerobics because moving in water involves resistance, so it strengthens the muscles, but it also reduces joint stress and strain. If you wear hearing aids, keep in mind that while they might possibly be water-resistant, they are definitely not waterproof and cannot be immersed. Most people don’t mind removing their hearing aids to swim laps. And for water aerobics and other classes, make sure to choose a position in the front so you can see the instructor’s movements. Additionally, it might be a good idea to tell the instructor before your class begins so that he or she will spend a little extra time showing you the moves – even before class – if you need it.
Walking
Anyone can enjoy walking, and a long walk in a park or nature area is a great leisurely way to get some exercise. If you have hearing loss and are worried about hearing bicycle or car traffic, choose a walking path that is very wide or where bicyclists do not tend to go. It’s also a great idea to take a quiet walk with your significant other, a close friend or family member, savoring nature’s beauty and the sunlight. Use your walking time for thinking and contemplating, and then plan to have lunch or stop for breaks along the path to rest and have conversations. It will be easier to chat when you can speechread face-to-face with your friend or family member, rather than turning to the side while walking and possibly risking a fall.
Biking
People with hearing loss can enjoy biking just like everyone else. You should just take a few extra precautions. For example, bike in a quiet area with little vehicle traffic. If you need to cross busy streets, stay alert and make sure you know the proper hand signals to alert cars. It’s always good to bike with a friend who also enjoys being on two-wheels. Just make sure to wear a helmet!
