For older adults, senior fitness is essential for their well-being – both body and mind. However, there are often obstacles that challenge achieving these goals. While not having access to a program or the transportation to participate can present a barrier, many excuses are self-imposed. Overcoming these misconceptions can quickly make a difference, no matter how long it’s been. In other words, it’s never too late to get moving.
Seniors’ justifications for inactivity
Take a look at just a few of the reasons often relied on to account for a sedentary lifestyle:
- “I’m too old.” Talk to your doctor first, but almost everyone can benefit from activity.
- “I don’t want to fall.” Regular activity can help prevent falls. Find an instructor who can point you in the right direction.
- “I can’t move like I used to.” Exercise can alleviate stiffness while also promoting endurance, strength and balance.
- “At my age, I need to take it easy.” It’s not your age that makes you tired, but inactivity.
- “I don’t like exercise.” Find things you do enjoy, like a bike ride, working in the garden or walking with friends. It all counts.
- “I don’t have anyone to exercise with.” If possible, try to find a group or friend. Studies show that having support can help you stay motivated.
- “I don’t have the time.” If you want to stay healthy, you’ll want to find the time.
- “I’m worried more about my brain.” Exercise is also great for your brain and can help stave off depression and anxiety.
Source: webmd.com
The benefits of senior fitness
At Prairie City Landing, we understand the importance of a fitness routine and how it benefits our residents to maintain an active lifestyle.
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Physical Benefits
- Regular exercise helps maintain strength, flexibility, and balance – reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
- Senior fitness activities help manage chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.
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Cognitive Benefits
- Engaging in physical activities releases endorphins, which help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Activities that stimulate the mind help keep cognitive functions sharp.
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Social Benefits
- Group classes encourage a sense of community and prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Social engagement has been linked to longer life expectancy and better mental health.
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Enhanced Quality of Life
- Senior fitness activities often result in improved sleep patterns and higher energy levels.
- Participating in enjoyable activities enhances overall life satisfaction and well-being.
Download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living.
Senior fitness at Prairie City Landing: the view from resident Sylvia Cheng
We caught up with resident Sylvia Cheng who offered to share her thoughts about our senior fitness program at Prairie City Landing.
Sylvia, who has been with us for six years, already prioritized her physical fitness but when she first visited Prairie City Landing, she was surprised at what stood out. The equipment here was much more than just the treadmills or rowers offered at other communities.
“I loved the location and trails, but when the director showed me the gym, it was very impressive,” Sylvia said.
After moving in, she had the chance to participate in the various classes we offered. She loved the experience and expertise of our fitness director.
“He was good at everything he did. He explained everything and knew so much about the body and exercises,” said Sylvia.
Sylvia looks forward to her fitness classes every day. “I like the cardio, line dancing and Tai Chi classes. In fact, I take most everything they have.”
She also appreciates the equipment available at Prairie City Landing. “We have circuit training here. And I like that the fitness center is open 24 hours a day,” Sylvia said. “If I don’t get outside to walk because of the weather, I’ll go on the treadmill after dinner. It’s so nice to go from home to fitness.”
Sylvia also likes the nature walks, especially the ones where she can see the eagles when she can walk through the parks. “I feel safe and am comfortable walking on my own here.”
Has Sylvia’s lifestyle changed since she’s been at Prairie City Landing?
“I’m more active now because there is so much more opportunity here. When I lived alone, I went to a fitness center, but there wasn’t a lot there that I could do.”
The director has also made a difference. “He is awesome. And funny. We love all his stories. But he will also take it upon himself to learn whatever we want to learn. We told him we wanted to learn line dancing. He didn’t know anything about it but soon studied YouTube videos and then taught us.”
How Prairie City Landing makes senior fitness easy
If you’re searching for a community that supports residents to achieve their health and wellbeing by staying active, take a look at how easy it is to maintain a fitness program when living at Prairie City Landing:
Accessibility to facilities and programs
Prairie City Landing offers various amenities, such as our fitness center, classes and walking trails, all within easy reach. Residents have regular opportunities to engage in physical and social activities.
Social support and encouragement
Being surrounded by peers provides motivation and encouragement to participate in activities.
Prairie City Landing staff are available to guide or adapt the program to fit individual needs.
Safety and supervision
Activities at Prairie City Landing are created and overseen by our fitness director, who also focuses on ensuring that residents exercise safely.
Our fitness director can offer modifications and support for those with physical limitations.
Discover life at Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing
We created Prairie City Landing to support our residents to live their best lives possible. Our community’s design, residences, activities and amenities are all focused on helping to connect, engage and create an enriched life.
If you’re searching for senior living that is different from the rest, we hope you will consider Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing. We invite you to download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living. Contact us to speak to an advisor, or schedule your tour of Prairie City Landing today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
