According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is important to support the overall health and wellness of older adults. In fact, some research indicates that exercise may prevent or delay many age-related health issues, as well as keep you independent for as long as possible.
The good news is, at Solivita Living, we offer a variety of amenities to keep you physically active. We have swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, golf courses, and so much more.
Health Benefits of Exercise
Physical activity offers a wide range of health benefits, both immediate and long-term, including:
Immediate
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces anxiety
- Reduces blood pressure
Long-term
- Improves brain health
- Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
- Reduces risk of 8 types of cancer: stomach, esophagus, bladder, endometrium, lung, breast, kidney, and colon
- Prevents weight gain
- Improves bone health
- Improves balance/coordination
How Much Is Enough?
Experts have found that adults over the age of 65 need a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, per week. Ideally, this should be broken up into 30-minute sessions, 5 days a week. If you prefer, you can do 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity, such as running, hiking, or jogging.
You should be spending 2 days a week working on your strength training, including weightlifting, resistance bands, yoga, and more. Finally, it is recommended that you spend approximately 3 days a week working on your balance with activities such as using a wobble board, standing on one leg, walking backward, and core strengthening activities.
If you are unable to meet these minimums based on chronic conditions, it’s important to keep in mind that some activity is better than none. Be as active as you can and work your way up to these recommendations.
Stay Active, Stay Healthy
Research shows that older adults should sit less and move more. Even if you are unable to hit the recommendations, some physical activity is better than none. Start by getting up and going for a walk. Eventually, you may build up to where you’re doing more than you ever thought possible.
Solivita Living offers a wide variety of amenities to keep you physically active. If you are reaching retirement age- or you’ve already retired- consider working with us to find your new home. We specialize in 55+ communities across central Florida. We have 8 locations to choose from.
In addition to our amenities to keep you physically active, we offer several to keep you mentally active as well, including trivia nights, art rooms, a computer room/library, and so much more. You’re sure to find that you’re living your best life when you retire at one of our properties!