Most people understand the importance of physical fitness. However, research shows that a large percentage of Americans are overweight, which after retirement can lead to serious health problems. This is why an assisted living community in Mint Hill, NC will use the following three methods to encourage their members to regularly exercise.

Take Incremental Steps

Since most retirees haven’t exercised in years, community caretakers don’t want to expose them to too much at once. For instance, they might want to start off with simple things such as hiking or lifting smaller weights before incrementally transitioning to more challenging exercises. The programs should also be fun and give residents the opportunity to get outside and or socialize with others.

Reward Them for Their Effort

A quality assisted living community will never try to force its members to become physically fit. After all, they are adults and the final choice should be theirs. That being said, one of the best ways to encourage them is by offering lucrative rewards that are reserved only for those that complete certain milestones, such as performing a certain number of pushups, walking a certain number of miles or lifting a specific amount of weight. People generally don’t respond well to coercion, but will always respond favorably to rewards.

Another way to get retirees off the couch is to offer them activities which are fun and exciting yet which will exercise their bodies at the same time. There are a number of things which fall under this category such as tennis, golf, bicycling, swimming and hiking. These activities are fun yet challenging and will unleash their competitive spirit, which will benefit them in multiple ways, both physically and mentally.

How Exercise Benefits Retirees

Exercise is beneficial for people of all ages, but especially retirees for the following reasons:

It boosts the immune system: As we advance in age, our immune systems become weaker, making us more vulnerable to disease. Through physical fitness, an elder can maintain a strong immune system which will increase their longevity since they will be able to fight off diseases that elders who do not exercise would perish from.
It prevents cognitive decline: Everyone assumes that cognitive decline is an inevitable part of aging, and for most people it is. However, it can be prevented through quality nutrition and a dedicated fitness regimen, as well as partaking in activities which stimulate the mind such as reading, games and puzzles.
Quality sleep: A lot of elders find it difficult to get a good night’s rest. Exercising helps a great deal, because it will increase the body’s blood flow and after a hard day of work one will enjoy deep and invigorating sleep.

Despite the many advantages that exercise provides, many retirees don’t know where to start. This is why assisted living communities employ physical therapists who will work with residents to understand their limitations and then develop exercise regimens accordingly. They also provide access to cutting edge equipment.