Your body goes through age-related changes that impact strength, flexibility and well-being, but following a strong fitness and exercise regimen helps you maintain a healthy physique at any age. Regular exercise does more than just promote better health – it also slows the aging process, leading to a longer life expectancy – and a better quality of life. That’s why The Palazzo, offering senior assisted living in Phoenix, AZ, has comprehensive wellness programs and a fitness center in place tailored specifically to the needs of older adults.
How Staying Active in Senior Assisted Living Benefits You
Your physical abilities and overall health fluctuate with age, but regular exercise helps you maintain your independence while enhancing health and wellness.
Physical Health Advantages
Taking care of your body offers numerous health advantages.
- Decreased risk of chronic illnesses: Exercising can help manage diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer by lowering the risk of chronic illnesses.
- Enhanced flexibility and mobility: Playing sports builds skills that help aging adults function independently and comfortably.
- Better sleep quality: Staying physically fit and active helps maintain a normal sleep schedule and prevent insomnia.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Engaging in mentally and spiritually stimulating activities also leads to benefits.
- Decreased stress and anxiety: Regular training reduces stress and eases anxiety. Depression is also less common among older adults who remain active.
- Enhanced cognitive performance: Activities that enhance cognitive function improve memory, focus and problem-solving abilities.
- Mood boost: Staying active regularly throughout the week also releases endorphins, which act as natural mood boosters.
Social Merits
Staying active and engaged also leads to societal benefits.
- Friendship: Joining clubs or participating in exercise courses helps older adults expand social networks.
- Belongingness: Joining fitness communities builds a sense of connection and inclusion.
- Responsibility: Maintaining a fitness routine is easier when there are others present for accountability.
How to Stay Active in Senior Assisted Living
Maintaining an active lifestyle in senior living leads to physical, emotional and social advantages. Here are some easy ways to incorporate more exercise and movement into your day-to-day routine.
Find a Fitness Buddy
Staying fit is more fun when you have someone to hold you accountable. Find a gym buddy or a friend and plan daily walks around the property, or sign up for yoga, tai chi or another type of group class.
Set Achievable Goals
Setting a step or calorie goal can be a great way to keep yourself moving. Use a smart watch or a similar device to track steps and consider increasing your goal each week or month as you build strength and endurance.
Tackle Those Tedious Tasks
It’s easy to procrastinate cleaning your space, but sweeping, dusting and even making your bed burn calories while improving the comfort and cleanliness of your surroundings. If you’re having an especially hard time tackling a particular task, try setting a timer for 5 or 10 minutes. Often, getting going is the hardest part, and it also might surprise you just how much you can accomplish within such a short window.
Discover the Wonder of Active Aging
We believe everyone should enjoy a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle, regardless of age, and at The Palazzo, it’s our job to help make that happen. Contact us to schedule a tour and learn more about how our programs promote wellness, foster community, and, ultimately, enhance quality of life for aging adults.
