Beneficial Fitness Activities for Independent Senior Living in Spokane, WA

by | Feb 8, 2016 | Retirement Community

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To stay healthy and fit during the senior years, it’s important to get plenty of exercises. At a community for Independent Senior Living in Spokane WA, various activities are offered so residents can enjoy spending time in organized groups with the intention of staying in good physical condition. Swimming, water aerobics, Tai Chi, and walking are some exercises that are excellent choices for seniors. Getting regular exercise is important for people in this age range to preserve their mobility and help them stay independent.

Swimming & Water Aerobics

People with certain physical conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, may find exercising on land to cause or aggravate joint pain. The buoyancy and support of water, on the other hand, allows them to get the benefits of exercise while avoiding the discomfort.

People who don’t know how to swim or don’t really enjoy that activity can still have fun in the pool with a water aerobics group. These exercises help increase and maintain cardiovascular fitness, and they are useful for people with muscle aches, arthritis, and joint pain.

Walking

Walking is often said to be the best form of exercise. Because it’s a weight-bearing, impact activity, it helps build and maintain bone strength and density.

An Independent Senior Living in Spokane WA is likely to have organized walking groups so residents can enjoy socializing while staying fit. Even people who must use a cane to help them get around can still participate in a walking group that moves along at a slower pace. Residents also can simply stroll around the grounds whenever they feel like it as part of an active lifestyle.

Tai Chi

A Chinese version of martial arts, Tai Chi, involves slow, low-impact movements. That makes the activity advantageous for seniors who enjoy the meditative qualities of the martial arts but cannot handle higher-impact, more vigorous exercise.

Since the activity is done while standing, it is considered a good exercise for keeping bones strong. This form of martial arts also is beneficial for people who are struggling with balance problems and mobility issues. A senior community such as Orchard Crest Retirement Community offers courses in Tai Chi for its residents.