Seniors who exercise retain their cardiovascular fitness as well as the muscle mass and strength needed to carry out everyday tasks and prevent falls and injuries. They tend to get better sleep as a result. Despite this, millions of Americans of all ages, including many seniors, do not engage in enough physical activity. Some people struggle to find the motivation to work out frequently. They anticipate it being difficult or boring. They may not stick to an exercise routine because they do not find it enjoyable. They could fear sustaining injuries. However, studies have found that older folks are more likely to stick to their exercise routines and look forward to them if they find the activities enjoyable and interesting. Here’s how communities that offer assisted living in Denver, NC, can make exercising fun for seniors.
Tailored and Engaging Workout Programs
Different seniors have different physical capacities or health conditions to be considered when creating a workout regime for them. There is not a one-size-fits-all routine, and an assisted living community often has the expertise and a dedicated team to craft a program that best fits you or your loved one’s individual needs. This eliminates the problem of seniors hesitating to work out because of their concerns with health or injuries, and the worry-free experience of working out will keep them motivated to continue their programs.
Moreover, offering workout classes, where instructors will be there to guide them through every move, and encourage them with their words, is highly beneficial.
A Range of Activities
The truth of the matter is, solely going to the gym can get boring and repetitive over time, especially if you don’t enjoy it to begin with. After all, variety is the spice of life. So, assisted living communities that offer a range of activities, such as golfing, bowling, or even yoga sessions, tend to motivate residents to get moving more. This could mean having these facilities on-site, or even scheduling regular trips to golf courses or bowling alleys in the area for residents to attend at their own choosing.
The bonus? These can all be done in social settings, which makes exercising all the more fun for seniors looking for companionship in their workout routines.
Stimulated Laughter
Playful simulated laughter exercises and breathing techniques can be incorporated throughout an exercise program to make exercise more enjoyable.
These laughter breaks improve everyone’s mood and well-being, make the session more enjoyable, and add a social component for everyone taking part. Throughout the course of the training session, laughter exercises may be placed at key moments.
Beyond making the resident happier while exercising, what other benefits are there? Laughter exercises, when timed to incorporate the main muscle groups that were just used, or are going to be utilized, improve the workout experience. Usually, after every two to four motions, a laughing exercise might be added to the routine. This can be incorporated during strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility exercises to help strengthen and relax muscles.
Keen to find out more about how an assisted living community can make working out a fun experience for you? Check out our Dimensions Health and Fitness program.
