4 Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors

Getting regular exercise and leading an active lifestyle is essential for maintaining your overall health. Seniors who lead an active lifestyle can decrease their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health concerns. 

But as you get older, it can feel challenging to stay active, as high-impact activities like running and aerobics can put too much pressure on the joints.

However, for exercise to be effective, it doesn’t have to be strenuous or intense. With low-impact exercises, you can reap the benefits of an active lifestyle while also protecting your joints. 

Try these four low-impact exercises that are ideal for adults in senior living:

1. Swimming

Swimming is one of the top low-impact exercises for older adults. Swimming puts less pressure on your joints, bones, and muscles, allowing you to get the physical activity you need without the discomfort afterward. 

You don’t need to be a speed or endurance swimmer to see the benefits of this exercise. Just a few slow laps around the pool are enough to improve your heart health, lower cholesterol, and even enhance your mood.

2. Yoga

Another low-impact exercise that you can easily do in senior living is yoga. Yoga puts little to no pressure on the joints and allows you to move at a slower pace than other exercises. This reduces the risk of injury or discomfort after you’re done exercising. 

Yoga also provides mental benefits, including elevated mood, increased clarity, and stress reduction.

3. Walking

When it comes to exercise and staying healthy, sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Taking a leisurely walk is a great low-impact exercise that can help you stay in shape without putting too much pressure on your joints. 

To keep your walk comfortable, opt for a pair of highly cushioned support sneakers. You should also avoid walking at too fast of a pace, as this can increase the pressure on your knees.

4. Cycling

If walking doesn’t sound like an appealing or exciting activity, you may be more interested in cycling as a low-impact exercise. There are two ways that you can use cycling to get in better shape and stay active.

You can ride a traditional bicycle around your senior living community, or you can use a stationary bike in your community’s gym. Both options yield the same benefits for your health and well-being without asking too much of your joints.

Staying Active as an Older Adult

Are you looking for ways to stay active that don’t create too much impact on vulnerable joints? As you get older, your joints can become more susceptible to damage, leading to chronic pain and stiffness that can make staying active more difficult. 

Fortunately, there are ways to lead an active lifestyle without increasing your joint pain. Low-impact exercises can be a great choice for people of any age who prefer activities that are more gentle on the body. 

From a calming morning yoga session to a bicycle ride around the neighborhood, low-impact exercises can keep you healthy and strong — without sacrificing your joints.