While aging can take a toll on an individual’s mental and physical health, engaging in different activities can make a huge difference. May is a 65-year-old woman who enjoys cooking and playing cards with her friends during the evening. She also engages in stretching exercises for seniors, which she says is one of the biggest secrets behind her youthful glow and sound mental health.
Research claims that old age can cause people to isolate themselves, resulting in mental health issues like depression and anxiety. However, one should always age gracefully and make the most of their life, just like May.
So, don’t let your age stand in your way, as this is your sign of embracing a healthy and happy lifestyle.
As people eventually inch towards their old age, they dissociate themselves from the rest of the world, thus feeling groggy and muzzy. Loneliness is what every human is dreadful of, and old age does that to us.
The only key to a long and healthy life is happiness, and to be happy, one should keep their mental health in check. Here’s a list of reasons concerning the benefits of having an active lifestyle.
Studies suggest that when older people participate in meaningful activities, they feel happier and healthier. Physical activities improve their cognitive abilities and improve their overall mental health. Additionally, it is also believed that an active lifestyle reduces the chances of older people having to depend on others or suffer from other health conditions, including dementia.
Playing games, traveling, or practicing home exercises for seniors can increase an individual’s lifespan. Reports confirm this; however, researchers are still trying to establish a connection between them.
An active lifestyle also increases the possibility of improving problem-solving ability besides triggering the creative side of the mind. Studies are also trying to develop other ideas that can significantly contribute to this attribute in older people.
Also read: Balance Exercises for Seniors
Older adults should make it a habit of moving around more throughout their day. Any amount of physical activity ranging from moderate-to-vigorous elderly exercising should be practiced to reap some long-lasting health benefits. As one grows older, their flexibility is challenged. But, engaging in physical activities can help resolve that and delay the onset of more serious health issues.
Here are a few of the best stretching exercises that should be incorporated into the workout routines of older adults.
This stretching exercise is a great way to get rid of any fat in the abdomen, ribs, or shoulders.
To perform this exercise:
The second on our list, standing quadriceps stretch is great for improving the mobility and flexibility of an individual.
To perform this exercise:
Also read: Weight Training for Old Men
This is one of those mandatory exercises for seniors that does more than just impact your legs. With this exercise, you can improve the mobility in your hips and make your joints more mobile. Additionally, it also helps to strengthen your lower back. You have to use a chair for performing this exercise which is like a bonus.
To perform this exercise:
This is a very simple exercise that targets the muscles in your legs. The flexibility of your lower body is improved by performing this exercise.
To perform this exercise:
Also read: How to Stay Fit & Healthy As A Senior
The next stretch focuses on the shoulders and upper body, and this exercise will help you loosen the joints around your shoulders.
For performing this exercise:
Mainstream workouts are not exactly ideal for older adults. However, besides engaging in other forms of social activities like gardening and cooking, these stretching exercises can add health benefits for a long time.
Times are changing. Seniors should no longer feel restricted within the four walls of their houses and take steps to adopt a fairly healthy lifestyle. A proper exercise routine combined with participation in other recreational activities can boost both an individual's physical and mental health. With stretching exercises for seniors, you can keep your mobility in check and hope for a better lifestyle.
So, what is stopping you? It’s time you slay your 70s too.