Staying active in your golden years can help you live a longer, healthier life and allow you to be more independent for much longer. All it takes is 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily to keep your body and mind sharp, and you can do plenty of senior-friendly exercises alone or with friends. Senior health and wellness are vital to sustained independence, and those who engage in daily activities are generally happier and have fewer aches and pains that are common with aging.
Buckner Baptist Retirement Community is a full-service senior living community that welcomes Texas seniors of all activity levels. Our independent and assisted living programs include a wide range of exercise and educational programs, social events, and other fun activities. We strive to create an enriching experience where you have everything you need to make the most of your retirement.
To visit our community and talk about how we can help you stay active as a senior, call 325.313.7931 today to schedule a consultation and tour.
Staying Active as a Senior
Seniors who live a sedentary lifestyle are less fulfilled and are at an increased risk of faster cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and loneliness. These health concerns can greatly decrease their quality of life and longevity. This is why seniors need to maintain an active lifestyle with a mix of strength-building exercises, and cardiovascular activities like jogging and water aerobics, as well as stretching.
For sustained senior health and wellness, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services1Â recommends individuals get:
- 150 minutes of exercise per week. That’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
- Do muscle-strengthening exercises two days per week at a minimum.
- Do multiple balancing exercises each workout.
- Participate in a mix of physical activities, like dancing, nature hikes, and bike rides.
 Mixing up the types of physical activities you do is a good way to avoid boredom that can come from repetitive activities. An added benefit of variety is that you’ll exercise various muscles in your body—giving all of them the attention they need. A few physically stimulating activities for seniors include:
- Dancing
- Bike riding
- Jogging
- Nature hikes
- Swimming
- Water aerobics
- Strength building
- Golf
- Yoga
At Baptist Retirement Community, we understand the benefits of staying active as a senior and include various physically and mentally stimulating activities and programs. You can participate in those activities you enjoy while socializing with other seniors and making the most out of your retirement.
The Benefits of Staying Active in Your Golden Years
Many physical and mental health benefits can be enjoyed by seniors who lead an active lifestyle. They generally spend less time in hospitals, have faster recovery times from injuries, and show fewer signs of age-related decline. Here are some additional benefits of staying active in your golden years:
- Lowers your chances of developing serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers
- Increases muscle strength and dexterity, which reduces the risk of falls, muscle pulls, and other injuries
- Decreases muscle and joint pain
- Increases flexibility
- Improves your mental health, preventing common disorders, such as depression and anxiety
- Acts as a stress reliever, minimizing muscle tension
- Prevents cognitive decline, including certain types of dementia
- Helps individuals think more clearly and make rational decisions
- Improves sleeping habits
- Lowers cholesterol levels
Staying active in your golden years has many advantages and can allow you to have the retirement you’ve always wanted. To get the recommended amount of exercise, only 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week is required. If you have friends to join you—even better.
Explore Our Senior Health and Wellness Programs Today at Baptist Retirement Community
At Baptist Retirement Community, we welcome Texas seniors who want to make the most of their retirement. Our team works hard to create a health and wellness plan that can benefit your physical and mental health and help you maintain your independence for much longer. This means you can enjoy more of the things you love or have always wanted to do.
To discover the benefits of our senior health and wellness programs, fill out our contact form or call 325.313.7931 today to speak with one of our helpful team members.
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