Published on: 14-Oct-2022
If 40 can be the new 30, there is no reason 70 can’t be the new 60, or even 50 for that matter. Even though you may not pursue intense, high-energy workouts, staying fit, and enjoying a number of low impact sports remains within reach for many healthy seniors. With a few necessary considerations and precautions, seniors well into their 70s can enjoy a physically active lifestyle, all the while staving off lifestyle illnesses, and prolonging their lifespans.
Exercise Regularly
It goes without saying that physically activity after you turn 70 creates the potential for injury; however, if you’re regularly exercising all through your life, your body remains well conditioned to activity, with the ability to take on any physically demanding activity, or sport without suffering injuries. Exercises for seniors can be mellow, mainly focusing on keeping muscle groups active, while maintaining tone and mass. This includes walking, minor strength training, and aquatics involving low impact opportunities for the body.
Listen To Your Body
No matter how sprightly or spirited you might feel mentally, you have to keep an earnest ear to the toll your lifestyle is taking on your body, especially when you cross the threshold from the late-60s to early-70s, which is when your body starts to deteriorate.
When you’re young, sore muscles, aches, and inflammations are part and parcel of an active lifestyle, however, the same pains and aches can prolong for weeks, or months during old age, when muscle tissues no longer have it in them to repair and recover. This is often a cue to take it down a notch, and a clear signal that you are putting your body through too much.
Stretch & Warm-Up
While this holds true for amateurs and pros of all ages, it is especially pertinent for middle-aged and senior players. Most common injuries in sports occur due to overexertion without providing muscle groups, and joints the necessary warm up. Spending five to ten minutes doing light cardio on an elliptical, or stationary bike, along with a stretching and flexibility regime will help reduce the risks of sprains, tendon tears, and spasms by a great extent.
Choose the Right Sports
Doctors report a steady increase in injuries among 40-to-50 year olds involved in high intensity training, and exercises. As a result, it is recommended to stick with low-intensity activities as you age, this includes racquetball, or badminton, or even just a round on the ellipticals to get the blood pumping without having to exert yourself too much. There are a number of great sports and activities for seniors, including the likes of golf, tai-chi, bowling, nordic walking, and more, all of which provide plenty of physical and cognitive benefits, without any risks of injuries, or being over strenuous.
Check Out Fitness Perks through your Health Insurance
Make sure to check the various perks and programs offered by your health insurance plan, with programs like Silver Sneakers capable of adding substantial value to seniors looking for physical activity, and recreation. There are Medicare Advantage Plans that offer fitness perks such as this, and work just as well, extending beyond the basic gym membership to include a wide variety of health and wellness programs, perfectly suited for middle-aged professionals, and seniors.
Final Thoughts
Staying fit and active as you approach your golden years remains crucial for staving off a wide range of physical and cognitive diseases. With the right approach, a steady pace, and consistency, sports can add tremendous value to the life of a senior, and remain critical for further enhancing life expectancy going forward.
