Tips for Seniors: Staying Active

01/22/2013
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Staying active during senior years is an important part of maintaining a healthy and happy life. Whether you live in an independent living retirement community or in an assisted living facility, following these tips for seniors on staying active in your elder years can help you stay strong and. In fact, doing so can also help keep memory loss, Alzheimer's and other devastating diseases at bay.

Here are some great tips for seniors on how to enjoy an active lifestyle and keep themselves from losing mental, emotional or physical health in the process.

Start exercising. Walking every day is a great motivator for activity, and it has been for a long time, particularly among seniors. It's also a good social outlet when done in places like parks and malls, where a lot of senior walkers congregate. However, walking is far from the only exercise available for seniors today. Many assisted living and independent living facilities feature gyms and fitness centers where seniors can enjoy plenty of physical activity using fitness equipment and through personal training, fitness classes, groups and gatherings – even dance classes! These are exercises that can make your senior loved ones feel good while staying as active as possible.

Indulge in fun social, community activities. Many senior living centers plan activities, outings and excursions to keep residents quite actively involved and engaged. Whether the destination is a nearby mall, beach, park or library, these activities generally take seniors out of their residence while keeping them in good fun and healthy bonding time with their neighbors and friends. It also gives them the mental and social stimulation, and an outlet that they so need.

Pick some hobbies. Getting involved in hobbies like traveling, volunteering, gardening, sports, etc. plays an important role in maintaining an active lifestyle in your senior years. Activities like traveling and sports enable seniors to see the world with a fresh perspective, while allowing them to share special moments and create memories, either on their own or with a group of people. If you've always enjoyed the great outdoors, for instance, camping or hiking is another great way to enjoy nature and to get active.

Find assisted living or retirement communities with abundant activities at Alternatives for Seniors, which offers a directory (in print and online) that specifically caters to the senior housing and care concerns of senior citizens and their families. Gain access to information from thousands of nationwide health and care facilities, including independent living, assisted living, nursing care, and more, without ever leaving your computer. Be social, too! Join our Facebook and Twitter community for the latest news and information on housing for seniors.

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