Exercise is an essential component of senior care to maintain physical and mental well-being. Assisted living communities offer seniors opportunities for fitness and exercise that will improve health. The social aspects of assisted living communities can help make exercise more easily accessible and more enjoyable. 

6 Exercises Seniors Can Do in an Assisted Living Community

1. Walking

Walking is an excellent exercise for seniors. It is an easy, low-impact activity that can be done alone or with others. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and enhances balance and coordination. Seniors can take advantage of the walking paths and indoor tracks available in assisted living communities. Being able to walk alongside friends and chatting can make the walk more pleasant, and add some extra simple exercise for the lungs.

2. Chair Exercises

Seniors with limited mobility, who might not be able to participate in group walks, can benefit from chair exercises. These are designed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Many standard exercises can be modified for the chair, including chair yoga, chair aerobics, and seated resistance training.

3. Strength Training

It is essential for seniors to maintain muscle mass and bone density, which may be reduced with age. Strength training improves balance and decreases the risk of falls. Assisted living communities may be able to provide resistance bands, dumbbells, or weight machines that seniors may not otherwise have access to. 

4. Tai Chi

Tai Chi combines gentle movements with breathing techniques. It improves balance, flexibility, and reduces stress. It can be done alone, or in groups, and can be a great way to start the morning.

5. Dancing

Dancing is a fun way for seniors to stay active and socialize. It improves cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination. Many assisted living communities offer dance classes, such as ballroom dancing, line dancing, and Zumba. Using music from their younger days will help encourage seniors to get up and get moving, and stimulate the brain as well as the body.

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to provide senior care throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, OH. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton.