As a retiree, whether you live on your own or in a senior housing community, you can improve the quality of your life by engaging in exercise. Swimming is particularly beneficial, because it utilizes every muscle group. To encourage you to be more active, below are some key health benefits of swimming for seniors. 

How Does Swimming Benefit Seniors?

1. Reduces Stress

Stress impacts the body in several ways. It weakens the immune system, raises blood pressure, and leads to depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Soaking in a warm pool while engaging in gentle, low-impact exercise can help avoid such issues, as it keeps the blood flowing, reduces stress, and releases dopamine that boosts your mood and outlook.

Because swimming helps improve your mental and physical health, it allows you to enjoy life more fully. Fortunately, pools are readily available at many public activity centers and senior housing communities.

2. Strengthens Muscles and Bones

Two common health issues people over age 60 face are muscle deterioration and bone density loss. These problems can impact your quality of life, often leading to osteoporosis, arthritis, bone fractures, and mobility problems.

A daily swimming regimen builds muscle and puts pressure on the bones to keep them strong. These improvements will help you stay fit and active well into your twilight years.

3. Boosts Flexibility

Muscles atrophy and shorten if they don't get exercise, limiting your range of motion. Sedentary seniors often find they cannot stand up straight, move their arms or legs fully, or walk fast or steadily.

Swimming stretches the muscles, maintains the body's range of motion, and improves strength and mobility. As a result, it makes everyday tasks like showering, dressing, and getting in and out of cars much easier and less painful.

If you seek senior housing that encourages an active lifestyle, contact Longhorn Village in Austin, TX. This retirement community offers the full continuum of care, with independent living, assisted living, rehabilitative care, memory care and skilled nursing. Longhorn Village is renowned throughout the region for friendly staff and compassionate care. They provide various classes to support your goal of remaining active, from yoga and pilates to swimming and Zumba®. Explore their wellness services on the website, and call (512) 382-4680 to learn more about their senior housing options.