As you map out your 2026 New Year’s resolutions, focus on goals that support your health, improve your emotional wellbeing, and help you feel your best. While no two people will have the same resolutions, this article shares some ideas for inspiration as you think about where you want to focus your energy in 2026. 

Keep a Positive Attitude 

Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and nobody knows that better than someone who’s been around for a few decades. While it’s okay to feel down from time to time, try to keep a positive attitude and focus on what is good in your life. Research shows that a positive mindset offers a number of health benefits, such as a lower risk of memory loss, quicker recovery from illness, a lower risk of developing chronic disease and can extend your lifespan.

This doesn’t mean you need to wear rose-colored glasses every day or ignore the difficult parts of life. It means worrying less about the things you can’t change, and focusing on the good in your life. If you find it difficult to do this, try thinking of 3 things each day that you are grateful for, practice mindful breathing, and treat yourself as you would someone you love. 

Commit to Daily Movement

Staying physically active can help you stay healthy as you age. It may also be the key to living a long life. Exercise offers a number of physical and mental health benefits, helping improve muscle and bone strength, heart health, and preventing chronic disease (e.g., diabetes). 

Aim to incorporate 10-30 minutes of exercise into each day. You don’t need to hit the gym to stay physically active. Walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga are excellent activities that can improve your health, happiness, and overall wellbeing. 

Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet

You may notice your appetite has decreased as you get older. However, your body still needs essential vitamins and minerals to help you stay healthy. Making good food choices can help ensure you get the nutrients you need. Strive to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Use healthier fats (e.g., olive oil) and natural spices when cooking to reduce your fat and salt intake. 

Spend Time With Loved Ones

Whether you spend time with your family, grandchildren, or friends, being socially active offers tremendous health benefits for seniors. If your family lives far away or it’s challenging to get together with busy friends, consider joining a group that is focused on your hobbies (e.g., knitting, swimming, reading) to make new connections with like-minded individuals. Research shows that socially active older adults have a lower risk of developing disease and depression, better cognition, and better health. 

Stimulate Your Mind 

Keeping your brain active can help you stay mentally sharp, well into your golden years. Whether you commit to doing crossword puzzles, playing board games with friends/family, reading new books or writing, challenging your brain can help reduce the risk for developing age-related diseases, such as dementia. If you’d rather not go it alone, joining a group can help you stay motivated! If you need a little motivation to stay motivated in getting your daily mental stimulation, there are book clubs, Scrabble groups, and boardgame groups available in many towns and cities throughout the United States. 

Explore Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteering is a wonderful way to engage with your community, provide assistance to those in need, and spend your free time. Giving your time and energy in service to others is an excellent way to find a sense of purpose and fulfilment. It also serves as a way to ensure you get out of the house each day and interact with others. Check for volunteer opportunities in your community. Many hospitals, shelters, and churches need volunteers to help run their organizations. Not only will you get to interact with other like-minded individuals, but it’s a great way to boost your self-confidence and feel good about helping others in the process. 

Try a New Hobby 

It’s never too late to take up a new hobby and learn something new. If you never had time to take up the hobby that’s been in the back of your mind in your younger years, now is the time to do it. Trying out new hobbies and learning new skills can help keep your brain sharp, improve memory and learning, and reduce the risk of dementia and other age-related diseases. The options are unlimited — you can sign up for a dance class, learn to play a new instrument, take a cooking class, or join a gardening club in your area, for example. 

Takeaway

The challenging part about making resolutions isn’t necessarily sitting down to write them out, but sticking with them. There may be times when life throws you a curveball and you may struggle to stick to your goals. Be patient with yourself, and focus on the benefits of sticking with the goals you’ve set before throwing in the towel and giving up. At the end of the year, you’ll feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment for staying motivated, sticking with your goals, and living life on your terms. 

1. Cardiovascular Fun-ercise: Who said cardio had to be boring? Pickleball combines aerobic exercise with non-stop fun. The quick movements, agile footwork, and dynamic rallies make your heart race with excitement while giving your cardiovascular system a workout it won’t forget. Say goodbye to monotonous treadmill sessions and hello to a heart-pumping, laughter-inducing pickleball match.
2. Flexibility with a Smile: Pickleball is all about agility and quick reflexes. The constant movement, lunges, and reaching for shots test your flexibility, improving your overall range of motion. It’s like yoga with giggles—stretching your body while having a ball on the court.
3. Muscle Mash-Up: Prepare for a full-body workout disguised as pure amusement. Pickleball engages muscles you didn’t even know existed. The combination of overhead smashes, swift volleys, and sneaky dink shots work your arms, shoulders, core, and legs. It’s the secret recipe for toning muscles and having a blast simultaneously.
4. Mental Agility Masterclass: Pickleball is not just a physical game; it’s a mental challenge that keeps you on your toes, literally! The split-second decision-making, strategic shot placements, and quick reactions sharpen your mental agility. It’s a mental workout that keeps your brain nimble and firing on all cylinders, all while chasing after that elusive pickleball.
5. Laughter Therapy Extraordinaire: Laughter truly is the best medicine, and pickleball delivers it in spades. The hilarity of chasing after a small, wobbly ball with oversized paddles is enough to keep your spirits high. Laughter floods your system with feel-good endorphins, reducing stress levels and boosting your overall well-being. No joke, pickleball is the ultimate laughter therapy!
6. Socializing Grand Slam: Pickleball is a magnet for social butterflies. The friendly nature of the game, mixed with plenty of opportunities to banter with opponents and cheer on teammates, creates a vibrant community atmosphere. It’s a chance to make new friends, connect with old ones, and create lasting memories while you rally and joke your way to victory.

Pickleball has taken the fitness world by storm, and for good reason. Beyond the hilarious moments and the joy of playing, this unique sport offers a myriad of health benefits. From a strengthened cardiovascular system to improved flexibility, toned muscles, enhanced mental agility, and a healthy dose of laughter therapy, pickleball is a winning combination for both body and soul. So grab your paddle, head to the court, and prepare for a healthy dose of fun and fitness that’ll keep you coming back for more pickleball adventures!

Don’t miss your chance to play in MetroHealth Stadium at Pictona

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Though most people know the benefits of regular exercise, there are many reasons why we may become more sedentary with age. Between health concerns, pain issues, worries about falling or weight gain, it can feel difficult to incorporate regular exercise into your daily schedule. 

But as you grow older, regular exercise is more important than ever for both your physical and mental health. 

If you’re new to exercise or haven’t done it for a while and are not sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on how to ease back into a fitness routine as an older adult. 

Start Slowly 

If you haven’t exercised in a while (or ever), it’s important to gradually ease your way into a fitness routine to prevent injury and fatigue. 

Start off slowly by introducing different exercises into your daily routine. Making a commitment to get daily exercise doesn’t have to mean you go to the gym every day. Basic exercises that can be done around the house are a good place to start. 

Walking in a straight line heel-to-toe, squats, sitting up and standing from a chair, carrying light weights around the house, and going up and down the stairs are excellent at-home options for seniors. 

From there, you can increase the type of exercises you do and the amount of time you spend exercising. For example, if you take a slow stroll around the block for a few weeks, you may progress to hilly terrain or a longer, faster-paced walk over time. This can help your body get acclimated to exercise 

Build a balanced exercise program 

With a balanced exercise program, you will alternate days that you are doing aerobic and strength exercises. This ensures that you are working out different muscle groups each day to prevent injury and muscle fatigue. It also helps you make improvements to parts of the body including heart health, muscle mass, and balance. 

A balanced exercise program should include: 

• Aerobics/cardiovascular exercises. Walking, swimming, cycling and even a light jog on the treadmill can help elevate your heart rate to improve cardiovascular health. 
• Strength training. Be sure to start with light weights. You can work your way up to heavier weights as you build muscle and gain strength. 
• Balance/flexibility. Yoga, pilates, and stretching can all help you improve your balance and flexibility. 

It can be intimidating to try new and different exercises, especially if you’re new to fitness or worried about injury. But the repetition of the same movements can lead to repetitive strain — wear and tear on the muscles and joints used most frequently. 

By changing up the exercises you do each day, you not only work out different parts of your body, but you prevent boredom. 

Reduce your couch time 

Loss of muscle mass occurs naturally as we get older. After the age of 36, we begin to lose muscle mass and by age 80, we lose nearly 50% of our natural muscle mass. Sitting for long periods of time can cause a further reduction in muscle mass. 

Whether you’re sitting on the couch watching television, relaxing in your favorite chair with a book, or working on a crafting project, be sure to take frequent breaks. Stand up and do some stretches, or take a quick walk around the house or neighborhood, for example. Moving around, stretching, and getting some physical activity after long periods of sitting can help prevent fatigue, improve your posture and balance, and prevent further muscle loss.

Set a schedule and goals

You may need to give yourself a little pep talk each day before exercising becomes a regular part of your daily routine. For maximum benefits, it’s important to dedicate approximately 30 minutes each day to be physically active. By adding dedicated time to exercising to your daily schedule, you signal to your brain that this is an important activity that is worth the time and effort it takes. 

It can be all too easy to start an exercise program only to stop a week or two later. Setting clearly defined exercise goals can help keep you motivated and measure your progress. Meeting goals can be motivational, so start off and focus on making realistic goals.  

Be sure that your goals are specific, measurable and attainable. While some people like to set goals related to their weight or clothing size, your goals don’t need to be related to your appearance. You could also set a goal on achieving a certain number of repetitions for a particular exercise, or a specific number of minutes. For example, you may set a goal to walk 2-miles without a break within 2 months or lift 15 pounds while doing 10 squats within 12 weeks. 

What motivates you? When you know your motivation, it can be easier to set goals that reflect that motivation. 

Takeaways 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older adults get 150 minutes of exercise activity each week. While this may seem like a lot, you can break it up by exercising for 30 minutes/day, 5 days a week. On busier days, you can exercise for 10 minutes at a time, 3 times each day. 

Before you begin an exercise program, talk with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can give you the clearance (particularly if you have any health conditions) and offer advice on how to begin exercising safely. 

Whether you decide to join a gym, attend fitness classes (some are geared toward seniors!), or work out at home, the key is finding something you feel comfortable with and motivated to do. Engaging in different forms of exercise that work your cardiovascular system and build strength can improve your overall health and wellbeing. 

Though most people know the benefits of regular exercise, there are many reasons why we may become more sedentary with age. Between health concerns, pain issues, worries about falling or weight gain, it can feel difficult to incorporate regular exercise into your daily schedule. 

But as you grow older, regular exercise is more important than ever for both your physical and mental health. 

If you’re new to exercise or haven’t done it for a while and are not sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on how to ease back into a fitness routine as an older adult. 

Start Slowly 

If you haven’t exercised in a while (or ever), it’s important to gradually ease your way into a fitness routine to prevent injury and fatigue. 

Start off slowly by introducing different exercises into your daily routine. Making a commitment to get daily exercise doesn’t have to mean you go to the gym every day. Basic exercises that can be done around the house are a good place to start. 

Walking in a straight line heel-to-toe, squats, sitting up and standing from a chair, carrying light weights around the house, and going up and down the stairs are excellent at-home options for seniors. 

From there, you can increase the type of exercises you do and the amount of time you spend exercising. For example, if you take a slow stroll around the block for a few weeks, you may progress to hilly terrain or a longer, faster-paced walk over time. This can help your body get acclimated to exercise 

Build a balanced exercise program 

With a balanced exercise program, you will alternate days that you are doing aerobic and strength exercises. This ensures that you are working out different muscle groups each day to prevent injury and muscle fatigue. It also helps you make improvements to parts of the body including heart health, muscle mass, and balance. 

A balanced exercise program should include: 

• Aerobics/cardiovascular exercises. Walking, swimming, cycling and even a light jog on the treadmill can help elevate your heart rate to improve cardiovascular health. 
• Strength training. Be sure to start with light weights. You can work your way up to heavier weights as you build muscle and gain strength. 
• Balance/flexibility. Yoga, pilates, and stretching can all help you improve your balance and flexibility. 

It can be intimidating to try new and different exercises, especially if you’re new to fitness or worried about injury. But the repetition of the same movements can lead to repetitive strain — wear and tear on the muscles and joints used most frequently. 

By changing up the exercises you do each day, you not only work out different parts of your body, but you prevent boredom. 

Reduce your couch time 

Loss of muscle mass occurs naturally as we get older. After the age of 36, we begin to lose muscle mass and by age 80, we lose nearly 50% of our natural muscle mass. Sitting for long periods of time can cause a further reduction in muscle mass. 

Whether you’re sitting on the couch watching television, relaxing in your favorite chair with a book, or working on a crafting project, be sure to take frequent breaks. Stand up and do some stretches, or take a quick walk around the house or neighborhood, for example. Moving around, stretching, and getting some physical activity after long periods of sitting can help prevent fatigue, improve your posture and balance, and prevent further muscle loss.

Set a schedule and goals

You may need to give yourself a little pep talk each day before exercising becomes a regular part of your daily routine. For maximum benefits, it’s important to dedicate approximately 30 minutes each day to be physically active. By adding dedicated time to exercising to your daily schedule, you signal to your brain that this is an important activity that is worth the time and effort it takes. 

It can be all too easy to start an exercise program only to stop a week or two later. Setting clearly defined exercise goals can help keep you motivated and measure your progress. Meeting goals can be motivational, so start off and focus on making realistic goals.  

Be sure that your goals are specific, measurable and attainable. While some people like to set goals related to their weight or clothing size, your goals don’t need to be related to your appearance. You could also set a goal on achieving a certain number of repetitions for a particular exercise, or a specific number of minutes. For example, you may set a goal to walk 2-miles without a break within 2 months or lift 15 pounds while doing 10 squats within 12 weeks. 

What motivates you? When you know your motivation, it can be easier to set goals that reflect that motivation. 

Takeaways 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older adults get 150 minutes of exercise activity each week. While this may seem like a lot, you can break it up by exercising for 30 minutes/day, 5 days a week. On busier days, you can exercise for 10 minutes at a time, 3 times each day. 

Before you begin an exercise program, talk with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can give you the clearance (particularly if you have any health conditions) and offer advice on how to begin exercising safely. 

Whether you decide to join a gym, attend fitness classes (some are geared toward seniors!), or work out at home, the key is finding something you feel comfortable with and motivated to do. Engaging in different forms of exercise that work your cardiovascular system and build strength can improve your overall health and wellbeing. 

Pickleball has taken the world by storm — silly name and all. More than 36.5 million people played pickleball from August 2021 to August 2022, according to a new report by the Association of Pickleball Professionals.

Some describe the game as a cross between tennis, ping pong and badminton, and most everyone who takes a swing at it calls it fun.

Seniors love that the game is a low-impact way to get active and make friends. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees that physical activity is essential for healthy aging.

So it was a no-brainer when the opportunity to support the world-class pickleball facility came along. Pictona at Holly Hill is located just minutes from our Holly Hill office location, and we’re thrilled to welcome the sport to our neighborhood.

Pictona at Holly Hill is a 49-court pickleball facility serving the greater Daytona Beach area. The facility features a championship court, restaurant, clubhouse, education center, gardens and bocce ball courts.

MetroHealth encourages our members to live an active, healthy lifestyle, and we hope to see you on the courts (or in the stands) at MetroHealth Stadium at Pictona at Holly Hill.

]]> 8150 https://metrohealthinc.com/how-seniors-can-manage-diabetes/ Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:46:36 +0000 https://metrohealthinc.com/?p=7194 Diabetes is a serious health condition that develops when the body has trouble regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. The condition is common —  nearly 27% of seniors (14.3 million) Americans aged 65 and older have diabetes. This chronic condition can lead to health complications if not well managed, such as cardiovascular disease, hearing loss, eye problems, and kidney disease. 

The good news is that type 2 diabetes is a manageable condition for older adults. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for a while, there are lifestyle changes you can make to manage the condition and prevent diabetes-related health problems. 

Exercise Regularly 

Exercise is an important part of managing diabetes. Try exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. If you’re short on time, you can split the exercise up into 10 minutes of activity 3 times a day. Aerobic and cardiovascular exercises such as bicycling, swimming and walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your heart healthy. Weight training and yoga help build muscle and keep your bones strong. All exercise can help you control your blood sugar levels to keep you healthy. 

Eat a Healthy Diet

The foods you eat impact your glucose levels, so it’s important to know what foods to eat (and what to avoid), how much to eat, and when. Be sure to eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, and lean protein. Avoid eating processed foods and foods high in added sugars. Eating a balanced diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight along with helping you stay within healthy glucose levels. 

Stress Reduction 

Stress levels can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels. When you’re stressed, your body’s fight-or-flight response is activated, and in people with diabetes, this can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation can help you manage stress and keep your glucose levels balanced.

Take Medication 

Take all of your medication exactly as prescribed, even when you’re feeling good. Taking your diabetes medicine helps keep your blood sugar levels as close to the ‘normal’ range as possible. If your blood sugar soars too high or sinks too low, this can lead to diabetes-related health problems, such as damaged nerves and blood vessels. Talk to your doctor if your medications are causing unwanted side effects, or if you’re having trouble keeping track of your medication schedule. 

Monitor Your Blood Sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar is an essential part of diabetes care. Your doctor will tell you how to check your blood sugar levels, and how often. Seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taking diabetes medications, which is why it’s so important to check your levels regularly so you can administer insulin when needed. 

Examine Your Feet

Nerve damage and poor blood flow are common in diabetes, which puts you at risk of developing a foot ulcer that may get infected. Check your feet every day to check for cuts, blisters, calluses, sores, and signs of infection. If you’re having trouble seeing your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member for help. Aim to keep your feet clean, use lotion to keep them well-hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes that will not cause chafing or blisters. If you notice any cuts, red patches or signs of infection, call your doctor immediately. 

Conclusion 

Older adults with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetes-related health complications. The good news is, diabetes is a manageable condition and many people with the condition live happy, fully lives. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress can all help you stay healthy and feel good. Talk with your doctor if you need help checking your glucose levels or administering your medications. 

]]> 7194 https://metrohealthinc.com/https-metrohealthinc-com-blogs-at-home-exercises-for-seniors/ Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://metrohealthinc.com/?p=6978

Regular exercise and physical activity are essential for staying healthy. As we age, it can become more challenging to exercise, particularly if we have a health condition or have sustained an injury. However, it’s imperative that seniors stay active in order to gain muscle strength, stay mobile, reduce the risk of falls, and maintain a good quality of life. 

Regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, helps maintain a healthy weight, and even improves mental health and mood. 

Simple At-Home Exercises for Seniors

Exercise doesn’t need to take place in the gym — there are exercises seniors can do at home to build strength, improve endurance, and support their overall health and wellbeing. 

Tightrope Stance 

The tightrope stance — sometimes called the tandem stance — can improve balance and stability to reduce the risk of falls. 

How to do it: Stand upright with your feet together, and strengthen your core (stomach & back). Step one foot in front of the other so the front foot’s heel is against your back foot’s toe. Keep your feet in a straight line (like you’re walking a tightrope) and hold this position for 30 seconds. Then, switch the positioning of your feet and hold for another 30 seconds. You can hold onto a chair or the wall for balance if needed. 

Chair Sits 

Standing up from a chair without using your hands helps maintain muscle strength and mobility.  

How to do it: Stand in front of a chair (approximately 6 inches) with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms held out straight in front of your shoulders. Slowly bend your knees and push your hips back to lower yourself into the chair in a seated position. Then, stand by placing your body weight on your heels. Try not to swing your torso or use your hands to stand up, but instead use your core and leg muscles. Repeat 10-15 times. 

Shoulder Rolls 

Shoulder rolls improve flexibility and range of motion, and help build strength in the shoulders and upper back, which can be helpful in living independently. 

How to do it: This exercise can be completed in either a sitting or standing position. To begin, shrug your shoulders up towards your ears, without hunching your back or protruding your neck. Once you shrug up, squeeze your shoulder blades together to pull the shoulders back. Pull the shoulders back down, slightly rounding your upper back to push your shoulders forward. Repeat 10-15 times. 

Step-Ups

Step ups improve balance and coordination while building muscle strength in the legs. 

How to do it: Wearing supportive shoes, step up and down on the bottom step of a staircase. You don’t need to walk all the way up and down the stairs, unless you prefer to/feel safe doing so. Lead with a different foot for each step up to ensure you’re strengthening both sides of the body. Repeat 20-30 times on each side. 

Toe Lifts 

Toe lifts help strengthen legs and feet, and are an excellent way to improve your balance. 

How to do it: Slowly lift on your toes as if you are standing in a tippy-toe position. Then, slowly lower your heels back down to the ground. You can hold on to the back of a chair with one or both hands to help keep your balance if needed. Repeat 20-30 times. 

Wall Push-Ups

Wall push-ups build strength in the shoulders, arms, upper back, and chest. 

How to do it: Stand facing a wall with your feet shoulder-length apart. Stand close enough so that you can stretch your arms out in front of you to touch the wall. Place both palms on the wall at shoulder height and width. Slowly bend your arms to bring your chest toward the wall, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Get as close to the wall as you comfortably can, then slowly press yourself back up to standing. Repeat 15-20 times. 

Try doing these or similar exercises once a day for approximately 30 minutes a day. You don’t have to do them all at once — you can break these exercises into small segments throughout the day when you have time and the energy to do so. Mix up the exercises to keep it interesting, and play music to provide motivation and focus if you’d like. 

]]> 6978 https://metrohealthinc.com/senior-friendly-activities-you-can-enjoy-this-summer/ Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:20:47 +0000 https://metrohealthinc.com/?p=6818 In Florida, nice weather is something you can expect throughout the year. During the summer, however, many seniors find they are more comfortable participating in activities outside, preferring the warmth to some of the chillier winter days. And while there are a few caveats to keep in mind this time of year, summer activities give seniors a chance to reconnect with family and friends.

That said, it’s important to make safety a priority. For example, scheduling your outdoor summer fun for the morning is a good idea because it allows you to avoid the hottest, most humid time of day, which is usually early to mid-afternoon. And because older adults are more susceptible to heat stress, afternoon is a good time to head indoors and have lunch, read a book, or catch a little TV. Then, as long as you’re not in the middle of one of Florida’s pop-up afternoon thunderstorms, you might want to go back outside late in the afternoon.

Still, be careful outdoors in the summer with prolonged exposure to the sun and heat. Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and wear light, loose-fitting clothes, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. And drink plenty of fluids so you don’t become dehydrated. 

Some activities you may want to consider include:

• Walking
  Going for a long walk is a great way to start the day, and being outside while the sun is still low means it won’t be that hot. Plus, walking is a low-impact activity that’s easy on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips, but still gets your heart beating a little faster and burns calories, so it’s a great form of exercise.
• Sunbathing
  Direct sunlight is necessary for your body to produce vitamin D, which is required for strong muscle function and healthy bones. Just be cautious about taking care of your skin by applying sunscreen and reapplying it every two hours, or right after you get out of a pool.
• Swimming
  This is a great way to get some cardiovascular exercise while keeping cool. Whether you’re a serious swimmer and you do laps, or you just like to splash around in the pool, swimming gets your body moving, which is always good. If you’re not into swimming laps, try simply treading water for as long as you can. And for more of a challenge, try treading water using only your arms.
• Gardening
  Tending a small garden, whether it’s purely decorative or you’re growing fruits and vegetables, provides a great feeling of accomplishment. Plus, it’s good exercise because it involves a fair amount of lifting and carrying. As always, be careful with the heat and take frequent breaks, or even avoid the hottest part of the day altogether.
• Grilling/Cooking
  Summertime goes hand in hand with grilling, and preparing a meal for yourself and others is also a great social activity. Or, you might prefer to do your cooking in the kitchen and serve it on a back porch or patio. Preparing a meal takes some planning, too, so it helps keep your mind sharp.
• Tai Chi or Yoga
  These are great outdoor activities that are low impact so they don’t put a lot of stress on your joints. Tai chi has been shown to help seniors prevent falls, which is a substantial cause of injuries and deaths among people 65 and older. Plus, tai chi and yoga can help maintain and even improve cognitive abilities.

Staying active is one of the most important things you can do as a senior. It helps you mentally, emotionally, and physically. So, pick something that sounds interesting and, most important, have fun with it as you enjoy the summer season!

]]> 6818 https://metrohealthinc.com/fun-senior-friendly-sports-that-will-help-you-stay-active/ Tue, 15 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://metrohealthinc.com/?p=6814

For a lot of seniors, when it is recommended by their doctor that they “get more exercise,” they cringe, thinking it will be an unpleasant chore. And while some people truly enjoy exercising – activities like lifting weights, fast-paced walking, riding a bicycle, etc. – others see it as painful and exhausting with sore muscles as their only reward.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Thinking back, there may have been a time when you actually enjoyed the exercise you were getting, especially if you participated in any kind of sport. As we get older, though, getting together with a group of friends to play tackle football or full-court basketball may not be realistic. After all, as we age, our strength, reflexes, and quickness diminish. It also takes a lot longer to recover after the game is over.

That said, there are plenty of sports that seniors can play, allowing you to get the exercise you need and have fun in the process. And it’s important because exercise helps you maintain the health of your heart, keep your weight in check, and even reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Plus, it’s great for your cognitive health and emotional wellbeing.

So, if you feel like you want to get your competitive juices flowing in a way that’s safe and healthy, try one of these senior-friendly sports to get started:

Water Volleyball

Actually, any activity you can do in a swimming pool is great for seniors because it takes much of the weight off of your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. And all it takes to have an exciting game of pool volleyball is a net, a ball, and at least one other friend (although it’s more fun with a few players on each team!) Just make sure you put on sunscreen, especially if you’re in an outdoor pool under the Florida sun!

Golf

While it’s certainly not the most strenuous sport, golf is great for getting out in the fresh air. Plus, there’s a decent amount of walking, even if you use a cart. Golf also requires you to think strategically about each shot and keep score, which helps keep your brain sharp. And if you think about it, hitting a tiny golf ball and keeping it anywhere near the fairway takes a lot of hand-eye coordination.

Bocce or Pétanque

While there are some differences, bocce and pétanque are both games that involve rolling or tossing a large ball toward a smaller target ball and trying to get closer to it than your opponent. The main difference between the two sports is that, in bocce, the players can stride toward the target as they release the ball, while in pétanque, the player stands in one spot. Both are outstanding social activities that get your body moving.

Shuffleboard

At one time, practically every hotel in the state of Florida had a shuffleboard court on its grounds. In this low-impact game, players use a long cue to push a weighted disc so it will slide down a narrow court toward a marked scoring area. In addition to the exercise you get pushing the disc toward the other end of the court, shuffleboard also involves strategic thinking and a little math for keeping score.

Other sports seniors can try include pickleball, which is a little like tennis, as well as bowling, croquet, and badminton. And while they aren’t actual “sports” in the competitive sense, many seniors also enjoy yoga, swimming, walking, and dancing as a fun way to get exercise.

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