Preventing sedentary lifestyles in retirement is a major concern for senior living communities all across the country. Seniors are living longer, healthier lives, and they want a community where they can make the most out of their retirement by doing the things they love. This can include golf, gardening, joining a book club, games, and other activities that create a healthy and active retirement.
Parkway Place is a full-service senior living community where Texas seniors can come and enjoy all of our social activities and events. Each care program is tailored to the individual and does a great job of reducing sedentary time among older adults. We have exercise and wellness programs to keep you healthy, fit, and mentally stimulated. Our social activities include arts and crafts, game and movie nights, book clubs, educational programs, and much more.
To schedule a tour and discuss our senior health and wellness program, call 281.305.1846 today to speak with our compassionate team.
The Negative Side of a Sedentary Lifestyle for Seniors
Getting enough exercise is important for seniors who are at risk of falling into a sedentary life. In the U.S., 26.9% of adults aged 65-74 and 35.3% aged 75 and older do not get enough daily exercise.1 This can lead to laziness, a lack of energy, obesity, and growing depression.
There are several physical and psychological side effects of not getting enough exercise each day. The negative side of a sedentary lifestyle can lead to:
- Type II diabetes
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Certain cancers
- Hypertension
- Loss of muscle mass
These conditions can worsen with age and lead to more time spent in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, a decline in the quality of your lifestyle, and a shorter lifespan.
Can retirement communities prevent sedentary lifestyles? At Parkway Place, we can create a comprehensive program that includes exercise and wellness programs and plenty of social activities to keep you active. You can spend your days gardening, taking a class, getting into a lively debate, and other activities designed to create an enriching retirement.
Preventing Sedentary Lifestyles in Retirement
It doesn’t take much to get enough exercise every day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. That’s only 30 minutes a day, five days a week of moderate exercise.
Here are some tips on preventing sedentary lifestyles in retirement:
Start an Exercise Program
Joining a gym or exercise program is a great way to stay fit and meet other seniors. It can strengthen muscles, improve heart health, and help prevent accidents and injuries. Some common exercise programs for seniors include:
- Pilates
- Strength training
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Running
- Walking
- Cycling
- Chair yoga
The benefits of an active lifestyle include better sleep, improved balance, increased flexibility, and a trimmer waistline.
Do Activities You Enjoy
Pick one or two activities that you like doing the most and try to work them into your daily routine. This can include walking first thing in the morning with a friend or a pet, practicing yoga alone or in a group, and joining a workout program. Senior living communities often have several activities that you can do each day, including gardening, cooking classes, educational programs, games, and arts and crafts.
Learn a New Skill
An excellent way of reducing sedentary time among older adults is by taking a class and learning a new skill. You can learn a new language, play a musical instrument, baking and cooking classes, or simply improve your general computer skills.
Be Social
Having an active social life in your retirement is a great way to beat back depression and anxiety. Senior living communities offer several social events and activities, including game and dance nights, book clubs, movie nights, and other activities. They also have community dining areas where you can enjoy a meal with friends.
Find a Comprehensive Senior Health and Wellness Program Today at Parkway Place
Can retirement communities prevent sedentary lifestyles? Parkway Place welcomes Texas seniors who are looking for a community of seniors they can call home. We have independent and assisted living programs that feature private homes and studios with access to all of our personal services and amenities. We will create a tailored care program that includes everything you need to live an enriching retirement.
Come explore our senior living community by calling 281.305.1846 today or use our online contact form to schedule a tour and see what life is like at Parkway Place Senior Living.
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