5 Safe Outdoor Exercises Seniors Should Perform

With today’s unhealthy lifestyle, the need for physical activity has increased immensely. For older adults, it is even more important.

Varun Verma
Written by: Varun VermaUpdated at: Feb 02, 2023 17:19 IST
5 Safe Outdoor Exercises Seniors Should Perform

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When it comes to adulthood, exercise and physical activities are the go-to measure to keep illnesses at bay. As people age, they may suffer from problems like neck and back pain. Also, diseases like diabetes and depression in common at this point of age. Physical and social settings directly or indirectly influence choices, opportunities, and health behaviours. Maintaining healthy habits throughout life can be done by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. This helps lower the risk of illnesses, enhances physical and mental capabilities, and postpones the need for treatment. Here are five safe outdoor exercises adults should perform to keep themselves healthy.

Walking

Walking is the safest of all outdoor exercises and has a lot of health benefits for older adults. It is minimalistic in the sense that you do not need a lot of gear to do it. You can do it alone or with your friend or a family member. Walking helps strengthen muscles, maintain weight, lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It also strengthens the bones, reducing the risk of fractures. It also helps manage blood pressure in people dealing with hypertension. It also increases overall mood and energy levels, relieving stress and anxiety.

Also ReadWalking Vs. Running: Which Is Better And How Much Should You Do Per Day

Yoga

Yoga is the other safest and most beneficial exercise regime for older adults. Yoga not only improves flexibility in them but also helps to strengthen bones. Yoga also helps improve balance, breathing, and sleep and reduce stress. To begin with, start slowly under the supervision of a professional.

Cycling

Another healthy and safe exercise for older adults is cycling. This is an excellent endurance exercise, which helps to improve the heart rate and breathing. It gives you the strength to perform your daily activities more efficiently. Cycling can help manage diabetes, prevent certain cancers, and keep the heart healthy.

Swimming

Swimming is another safe outdoor exercise for seniors to have a healthy lifestyle. It helps to keep the heart healthy, increases flexibility, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. It also aids in improving the body's muscle tone and acting on mental health.

Also ReadDermatologist-Verified Ways to Tackle Skin And Hair Damage While Swimming

Tai Chi

This is a type of martial art which draws its origin from China. Now, it is practised for various reasons, including defence and sports training. Tai chi has gained popularity among seniors as it is easy to learn and follow. The movements can be fast or slow based on individual capacity. For seniors, it is slow but repetitive, where they focus on their intake and release of breath while moving. Like other exercises, tai chi also increases strength and relieves back pain. It works on muscles improving the stability and flexibility of the body. It also improves balance, cognitive function, and mood.

Bottomline

With lifestyle turning unhealthy, the need for physical activity and exercise has increased even more. For older adults, physical activities are even more important. These activities would help them to exercise in a safe way, along with improving their health. However, this age comes with many illnesses as well. So, if you suffer from any health condition, consider talking to a doctor before starting these exercises.

Image Credits: freepik

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