Like it or not, winter is right around the corner in Southeast PA. For many of us, the incoming colder months and harsher weather can make it especially difficult to stay active, not to mention the coming holiday season that centers around sweets and relaxation.
Our tendency to hibernate in the wintertime can become greater as we age, but a lack of physical activity can become more and more problematic the older we get. That’s why it’s important to make a concerted effort to stay physically active during the winter season.
At Renewed Vitality, your wellness is our primary concern, and we love to help! That’s why we’re here to give you some very useful information regarding wintertime exercise before the cold front rolls in to stay!
The Importance of Staying Active As You Age
Believe it or not, too much relaxation can actually do more harm than good, especially for seniors.
Engaging in regular physical activity can help you maintain healthy muscle mass and bone density as you age. This is a significant factor in preventing dangerous falls and the fractures breaks, tears, or sprains that may result.
In addition, frequent physical activity can also help lower your blood pressure, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, regular exercise can also help to limit the effects of arthritis by continuously lubricating your joints.
The positive effects of exercise for older adults doesn’t just stop at the physical either. In fact, several recent studies have confirmed that regular workouts can help to prevent cognitive decline and symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression as well.
Key Tips For Staying Active Through the Winter
While the benefits of regular exercise for older adults is incredible, the harsher winter season can make this task seem daunting and dangerous. Whether it be icy sidewalks or persistent precipitation that is preventing you from achieving your exercise goals, there are several ways to overcome these obstacles.
Check out some of our best bits of advice right here:
- Exercise At Home: While the ongoing situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has definitely reassured many of us about the benefits of getting out and interacting with others, accomplishing this feat can be especially challenging for seniors. However, there are many exercises that you can do in your very own home. Many exercises that focus on balance can be performed without extravagant equipment, while keeping a light pair of weights around the house can even encourage you to get a little lifting in when you have some downtime.
- Wear Extra Layers: The winter chill can make it harder for us to stay warm, but if outdoor exercises are more your style, look for ways to layer up before heading out in a brisk winter walk. For example, a pair of long thermal underwear or a down winter coat can help keep you comfortable when the temperatures drop. In addition, a warm cup of tea or cocoa can also do wonders for you both before and after a chilly workout session. Before going out however, make sure you check the forecast for slippery conditions.
- Keep It Fun: Exercise doesn’t always have to be a chore. There are many fun and uplifting exercises you can try as well! Playing with your grandkids or even indoor gardening can be a great way to stay in motion in the wintertime, and it doesn’t require extravagant planning to accomplish either.
In Conclusion
While it can seem like quite the hurdle for older individuals to fit in regular exercise in the wintertime, these aforementioned tips can go a long way in boosting your activity level in simple and healthy ways.
That said, safety is always important to keep in mind, if you or a loved one experience mobility issues, be sure that another family member, friend, or caregiver is present while you get your workout in!
For any additional questions about staying fit and healthy as you age, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality today! We are always happy to help!
