Physical Wellness Activities for Older Adults in San Ramon, CA
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According to Time magazine, one in every three seniors isn't getting enough exercise. It might be that starting an exercise class feels daunting, or that it's hard to find time in the day.
However, ignoring physical activity can take a toll on your health and independence, affecting your chances of living a vibrant and active retirement in San Ramon, CA. Read on for some senior-friendly physical wellness activities that you can incorporate into your weekly routine with ease.
Try San Ramon's Nature Trails
Walking is easy and can be adapted to suit all levels of fitness, making it a perfect activity to add to your routine in your senior years.In San Ramon, numerous nature trails offer the opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
Being in the open air can help relax the mind, making this a great activity for those who want something that supports both their mental and physical health.
Nature trails are best enjoyed in groups. Arrange to go for a walk with family or join a walking group in your senior living community. It gives you time to explore the beautiful natural surroundings and catch up with a friend.
Senior Fitness Programs
A high-impact aerobics class might have been something you enjoyed in your youth. But as you get older, those strenuous moves can put a lot of strain on your body, especially your joints.
In retirement, consider switching to a senior-friendly class that's adapted for aging bodies. These exercise classes will work your muscles hard and improve your flexibility. Still, you are less likely to suffer an injury.
If you are a resident in our senior living community in San Ramon, ask our staff for our weekly activities calendar. You'll find a list of on-site exercise classes you can sign up for. It's a great way to get to know other residents in our community.
Exercise for Seniors: Tai Chi and Yoga
As you age, your muscles can become stiff, making movement more difficult and increasing your risk of injury. The best way to counter that is through stretching exercises, and two tried-and-tested activities stand out:
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
These practices help you move your body slowly and safely, stretching your muscles and improving your balance. When led by an instructor, you'll also learn about slow and mindful breathing techniques, which can help you stay relaxed and focused. Both activities can also be enjoyed in the fresh air, making them an invigorating way to start the morning.
If you have limited mobility and worry about being able to stand for the movements, find an adapted class that offers chair yoga instead.
Mobility Support for Aging Adults: Swimming
If you love getting a full body workout that's easy on the joints, try swimming. It has cardiovascular benefits, and since you can swim at your own pace, it's an activity that's suitable for all fitness levels.
Alternatively, you could try water aerobics. These are instructor-led classes in the water that get you moving your body, stretching your limbs, and improving your endurance. They are often set to music and can be a fun activity to enjoy with friends.
It has a low risk of injury due to the natural resistance of the water, which supports your whole body, so you'll feel like you've had a workout, but without joint pains.
Dance Classes
If you like the idea of twirling around a dance floor to your favorite music, then why not incorporate it as part of your weekly fitness routine?
Dance can be an excellent way to keep fit, whether it's a fun and sociable line dance lesson or a more formal and romantic ballroom-style dance. You could even try a more upbeat Zumba class that's adapted to seniors.
If you can't find a dance class near you, speak to the staff at your senior living community in San Ramon to arrange one. Dancing is a fun activity that will lift your spirits without feeling like exercise.
Low Impact Competitive Sports: Golf
Golf is one of the most popular pastimes for older adults, and it's easy to understand why. Golf is a low-impact sport, but it will challenge you to perfect your technique. Walking around a golf course is a gentle yet impactful cardiovascular workout that also offers the benefits of being in nature.
However, it's often the social setting that people love about golf. It's a day in the open air, conversing with friends, and enjoying a spot of friendly competition.
The physical health benefits of golf include improved strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Healthy Aging Tips: Strength Training
Muscles start to weaken and shrink as we age, especially if we live a sedentary lifestyle. If you have finished a career where you spent most of your time sitting and are now transitioning into retirement, it may be time to focus on improving your muscle strength.
Formal strength training is one of the most effective methods for building muscle. The idea that you need to be lifting heavy weights is a myth, however, so you can try this even if you don't have experience. Begin with small weights and have a professional trainer guide you.
Staying Active in Retirement: Gardening Clubs
Why not join a gardening club in your senior living community? Gardening may not seem like exercise, but it has the same impact on the body, working your muscles, improving your flexibility, and steadying your breathing.
It's also an excellent activity for mental health, and the low-stress nature of working outside will help calm and focus you, stopping any racing thoughts.
Physical Wellness Activities for Seniors
You need to keep your body strong in your senior years if you want to make the most of your retirement. Use the recommendations from this list of physical wellness activities as your starting point.
Discover Commons San Ramon is the senior living community you need if your health and wellness are your top priorities. With dedicated and compassionate care teams, a varied selection of on-site fitness activities, and an enviable location near the Bay Area, you'll have everything you need for a happy retirement. Contact us and book a tour with us today.