Wednesday, May 29, 2019, is National Senior Health & Fitness Day. The common goal for this day is to help older Americans maintain their health and fitness. Always set on the last Wednesday in May, National Senior Health & Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for older adults. The hope is that we can encourage aging Americans to make healthy choices, like eat more nutritious foods, drink more water, see a doctor regularly for wellness checks, exercise consistently, and get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
If you’re at an advanced age and haven’t exercised much, or you have an aging loved one who has been sedentary, consider starting a low-impact exercise routine. Here are some tips to get started:
- Start slow. Consider walking daily for just 15-30 minutes at a comfortable pace. This might be all you’re hoping to do, which is great. If you can walk at a brisk pace where you maintain a conversation for 30 minutes, consider alternating walking and jogging 5 minutes at a time. If you have health concerns, talk with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
- Stretch. Stretching before and after exercising—even just walking—can help prevent injury.
- Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising.
- Choose activities that have slow, lower impact movements that gently encourage balance. Chair or gentle yoga is a good option, as is riding a stationary bike.
- Dress appropriately. Wear layers of clothing and comfortable fabrics.
- Protect yourself from the sun. For outdoor activities, wear a hat and sunscreen to avoid sunburn and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
If you or your aging loved one wants assistance with planning an exercise routine or a companion for walking safely, consider hiring a personal care assistant. At Passionate Private Duty, we have experienced caregivers who can help those residing in Pingree Grove, IL and its surrounding areas.
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