Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for seniors to keep their bodies healthy and away from all types of diseases that come along with aging.åÊ As you age exercising for some can be a bit strenuous due to physical limitations. The need to look for alternative activities to keep those muscles and joints in good condition is necessary.
Outdoor activities are good alternatives to keep an active lifestyle without exerting too much effort and physical strength.åÊ Outdoor activities that can stimulate the senses and help develop your physical stamina are ideal alternatives for exercising.
1. Hiking ÛÒ This outdoor activity is more enjoyable to do when done with your friends or family.åÊ
Photo Credit: Farm
Most common health benefits of hiking include lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attack, losing excess weight, strengthening bones and muscles.åÊ Hiking allows you to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature while keeping tfit and healthy.åÊ If you are not that comfortable hiking difficult trails, hike in places with even or plain terrains.
2.åÊ Gardening ÛÒ A happier and calmer state of mind is one of the great benefits of gardening.åÊ
Photo Credit: Walter Baxter
Gardening is a very enjoyable hobby especially for retirees who are staying at home and canÛªt go out due to physical limitations.åÊ Its benefits are more than the beautiful flowers and fresh veggies in the backyard.åÊ Gardening has bone building benefits, increases joint flexibility and strength, helps in burning calories, and provides a healthier and more nutritious food diet.åÊ Gardening also gives the sense of satisfaction.
3.åÊ Walking ÛÒ Walking is an ideal outdoor activity if you donÛªt want the hassle of going to the gym or going to the mountains for hiking.åÊ
Photo Credit: Walter Baxter
The following are some of the few health benefits of walking.
åáåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊ Lowers blood sugar
åáåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊ Reduces the risk of heart disease
åáåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊ Reduces body fat
åáåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊ Lessens stress and lengthens life span
åáåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊ Improves memory
åáåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊ Reduces risk of disability
For beach bums, walking on the beach is also very enjoyable and walking in the sand actually adds some challenge to the walk.
4.åÊ Fishing ÛÒ Many who love to feel the adventure in the open sea, or love hanging out in ponds and lakes with their friends, usually find fishing a very desirable outdoor activity.åÊ
Photo Credit: Kintaiyo
Fishing is ideal if you want to relieve stress.åÊ This activity is a light exercise that doesnÛªt require too much force exertion.åÊ Aside from the enjoyment of catching fish, fishing is also good for the lungs and the skin.
Of course, seek your doctorÛªs advice and guidance before doing any of the mentioned activities.
About the Guest Author
Agnes Embile Jimenez is a professional blogger and writer. She helps promote awareness about better senior care and living through publishing informative articles on the net. This is along with the help of TopSeniorCaregivers, an online resource portal that offers free senior care information in Apple Valley. You may add her to your Google Circles.