The golden years are that moment in time when we become aware of the progressive changes that have been happening to our physical and spiritual being, the time when our vigor and overall mobility start slightly decreasing, preventing us from doing things in a fashion we are accustomed to, further affecting our lives. With our body aging and our inner functions slowly starting to slow down, our quality of life significantly decreases and we may get agitated and saddened with the current state of things.
What is the best remedy?
There’s a lot we can do to improve our health and longevity as we age, and reduce the risk of physical and mental disability. Apart from taking the prescribed medication, looking after our diet and paying regular visits to the MD, wellness is definitely something that can work to our benefit.
Maintaining our sense of purpose by staying connected with our inner selves, people and things around us tremendously helps our end goal. However, it isn’t always easy to be an accomplished senior citizen in a society that all-too-often views older people as burden. Nonetheless, your desire to take care of yourself and enjoy a longer, more fulfilled life should be your guiding thought and motivation.
What does science say?
Recent years have brought about several studies regarding senior citizen appropriate engagements and activities, shedding light on the multifunctional benefits of wellness and non-intense fitness. Unlike highly intense gym exercises, the golden age wellness is designed so it fits various health issues, ages and levels of body strengths.
Here are the most recommended activities for senior citizens that help the body stay in shape (or improve it), and the mind be as sharp as a knife.
Gardening
Small or big, your personal garden can provide you with some amazing exercises for your body and mind. Psychology studies claim that, apart from being a very healthy physical activity, gardening is a fantastic stress-relief method, too. Not only will you have a fabulous garden, but you’ll keep your body active through repeated bending, squatting, walking around and mending the flowers.
Walking
Instead of taking public transport or asking someone to drive you, make a commitment to walk to market every morning. Mind you, not only to the market but wherever you can go on foot. If you get tired, sit on a bench and rest – you are not in a race. At first, it’ll be difficult, but if you remain persistent, your body will adapt, and it’ll soon become a piece of cake for you to reach whichever place you’re headed to.
Also, when riding public transport, try to stand instead of sit. Move around, move your toes and arms and avoid being static. If you become tired, press your back against the window. That way you’ll take away the pressure from your spine.
Riding a bike
If your health allows it, grab a bike and go for a ride around town. You can ask your spouse or friend, to join you, if I don’t feel like going alone.
Watching your grandkids
If you are in a good shape, watching your grandkids is the best physical activity you can get. They are very demanding, and there’ll always be something to do. Plus, you get to spend quality time with your little angels…what can be better than that?
Dancing
Dancing is a perfect exercise for people of all ages – seniors especially. Try dancing courses like Tango, Salsa or any other sensual dance you find fit. Do it alone or with your partner. If you are single, this may be a great way to meet someone new, or just make friends with people that are close in age and share your interests. There are plenty of senior citizen dancing courses, so why not give them a shot?
Yoga
Yoga will set your mind free and get your body in amazing shape. Try it!
Water sports
Water aerobics and other senior citizen adapted programs are a fantastic way to keep your body in shape and stay active! Group water exercises are held by professionals so you won’t be at risk of hurting yourself. On top of that, you’ll interact with plenty of other gals there, exchange topics and interests and additionally enjoy your time water exercising.
