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Getting older doesn’t excuse people aged 60 and above from exercising. In fact, leading a more active lifestyle at this age provides benefits, according to a 2019 study. 
There is strong evidence that physical activity reduces disease risk in later life, helps manage existing conditions, and develops and maintains physical and mental function. Thus, staying physically active is particularly important for older adults. It can even help manage incontinence.
According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, older adults are recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activities. Alternatively, they can do 75 minutes of aerobic exercises in a week.
How can an older adult live a more active lifestyle, considering the safety measures we currently have due to COVID-19? Below are some of our suggested physical activities.
Chair yoga strengthens the core and improves balance without compromising the safety of older adults. It also encourages mobility and increases flexibility as it trains the muscles. Not to mention that yoga improves posture and helps with weight loss. And there’s good news for older adults suffering from incontinence: yoga can help. Here’s the study that proves it can.
Stationary cycling is one of the safest and less stressful physical activities for older adults. It’s not only easier on the knees – cycling is good for the brain too.
You can also try the recumbent bicycle. With it, you’ll have more leg space. The design also helps support the pelvis and lower back.
Since most stationary cycles have heart monitors, you can rest assured that you won’t go overboard with your physical activity.
Experts say that walking is the best exercise for older adults. It improves heart health, lowers blood sugar, boosts mental health, and helps manage incontinence too. In addition, since you don’t have to pay anything to do this physical activity, you save a lot of money too.
But what if you can’t go outdoors to walk due to COVID restrictions in your area? You can watch walking at home YouTube videos. Encourage your family members to join you to make the activity more exciting.
Gardening requires bending, pulling, lifting, and twitching, all of which count as physical activities. Plus, a few hours under the sun will provide you with some needed Vitamin D. Not to mention the positive psychological effects of seeing your plants and flowers grow beautifully.
Turn your online activity into something physical
If you usually spend minutes or even hours online, don’t do it sitting down. Instead, walk around the house while browsing your favorite social media platform or shopping online. Lift a light dumbbell, one hand after the other, as you talk to someone over the phone. You can also do arm and leg stretches while you watch movies.
Yes, you can still live an active life even when you’re 60 and above. You can do the activities suggested above or ask your doctor for his recommendations.
Would you like to read more articles like this? Visit the ProvenMed Blog. We have a wealth of information you can benefit from.