zStaying Active in Retirement: Top 7 Tips [Simple and Easy]

Everyone knows that an active lifestyle is good for you. Exercise and movement can help reduce the risk of health problems like blood disorders, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even certain types of disease – all of which are a natural concern for seniors. It can also help with mental health and easing symptoms of depression and anxiety in the elderly.

Unique recreational activities can even help older people remain independent through their retirement and golden years by building up their muscles, strengthening their bones, and helping to improve their balance.

Unfortunately, many older people do not place as much importance on being active as they should. They may think it’s too late to make any major changes to their lifestyle, or they may feel as if their bodies will no longer allow them to do the things they once enjoyed.

If this sounds like you and you need a little positive reinforcement and encouragement, please read on! As it turns out, activity can help improve anyone’s physical and mental health, especially senior citizens.

Whether you’re an active person looking for ways to remain healthy as you age, or you’re a senior who is ready to give up your sedentary lifestyle, there are a few simple things you can start doing today to make it happen.

Tips For Staying Active & Healthy During Retirement

1. Start slow.

If you aren’t exercising because you don’t think you can do it for a long time, that’s okay. Ideally, you’ll get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days a week, but if you can’t handle that, do what you can. Maybe it’s 5 minutes, or maybe it’s 10. Once you start, you can work you way up to 30 minutes and maybe even more. Just remember to be patient with yourself. Getting started is a big first step and even two minutes is significantly better than nothing.

Once you’re over the initial soreness, you’ll be encouraged to exert yourself a little more to build up endurance and see even more positive health results. Starting slow and being patient with yourself is an important first step!

2. Look for activities you enjoy.

Many people assume being active means joining a gym or running a marathon, but there are several other ways to do it. As long as it gets your heart rate up, you can choose to do whatever vigorous activity you want, whether indoor our outdoor.

Many older people enjoy swimming, because aquatic exercise is easier on the joints since it supports so much of your weight as you move. And along those lines, stationary stretching and chair aerobics are fun and effective as well as safe!

Taking a brisk walk or bike ride around your neighborhood or local park is good and an easy place to start. If you don’t like to exercise, get creative. Try gardening or taking a dance or aerobics class. Do you enjoy playing golf? That’s perfect! There’s even a new way to play called low-impact golf which will lessen the chance of over-exertion and injury.

The more fun you can have while moving, the more likely you are to stick to it and make it a long-term goal.

So what have we learned so far? Start slow and enjoy yourself!

Sound like fun? It is! But it gets even better!

3. Exercise with a friend.

For people of all ages, exercising with a partner or small group is often the motivation they need to stay active. Talk to a friend, neighbor, or relative about meeting to walk or taking a class together. If you don’t know anyone who would like to join you, look to your local senior or community center. Many suburban communities have mall walking groups who accept people of all ages.

Once you’re paired with the right exercise partner, you’ll be surprised how fast the time goes and how much fun you’ll have together. The extra motivation to keep up with your exercise partner just might be the extra motivation you need to get out of the house when you’d rather not!

Exercising with a friend has been scientifically proven to have a very beneficial effect on psychological well-being!

The first three tips have been about making this enjoyable but number four is a lot more serious. Remember, your health is involved!

4. Talk to your doctor.

If you have medical conditions or injuries that you feel may limit you or prevent you from becoming or remaining active, your doctor can help. He or she may offer solutions such as health supplements or devices to assist you.

You may even find that your doctor can point you in the direction of classes for seniors, activities you didn’t realize you were available in your community, or active groups you can join.

Plus, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new regimen anyway to ensure there is no hidden health issue you’re not aware of that may impact your activity level.

No doubt your doctor will advise you on how to maximize the benefits and help you reach your fitness goals while limiting any negative or dangerous impact on your overall health. He or she will also likely be more than happy to point you in the right direction for information about healthy diet and nutrition for senior citizens as well as the best herbs that will have help you to thrive in your new exercise regimen.

5. Listen to music.

Few things can motivate you to get moving like your favorite upbeat songs. Adding music to your exercise routine can make it more exciting and help keep your mind off the clock. Music has long been known to scientists and doctors to have a positive impact on our health and well-being!

Because you can add music to your smart phone these days, it’s easier than ever to have your favorite songs from any artist, genre, or era right at your fingertips.

If you’re not tech-savvy or sure how to do so, ask a friend or family member or visit your local mobile phone store. If you aren’t a music fan, consider audio books that you can listen to while you walk or ride your bike. If you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike, you can even watch a movie or TV show.

Keeping your mind occupied with motivating entertainment will help the time pass quickly and you might find yourself passing your fitness goals up faster than you thought!

6. Get a dog.

If you enjoy animals and have the ability to take care of one, consider adding a dog to your household. Not only do you always have a built in companion, but you’ll have to go for walks daily, even when you aren’t motivated.

If adding a dog to your household isn’t an option, reach out to your local shelter and rescue groups. They often allow people to come walk their dogs, which benefits both the animal and the person doing the walking.

Numerous scientific studies, clinical trials and anecdotal evidence suggests strongly that there are many health and wellness advantages for older adults to own pets.

7. Try something new.

Again, exercise doesn’t always mean joining a gym or taking up jogging. If you’ve always dreamed of learning to play tennis, snorkeling, yoga, ballroom dancing, pilates, water aerobics, or taking up hiking, now is the time.

Go for that dream, if you’re able, and you’ll enjoy yourself so much you’ll never feel like you’re exercising. It can open up a whole new world for you.

Have any questions, comments or your own personal tips to share about diet, exercise, nutrition and general well-being for older people? Please share them below. We’d love to hear from you!

Hello. My name is Carolyn Ridland, and I am the founder of CaregiverConnection.

About 10 years ago, my parents began reaching the point where they could not be self-sufficient anymore. I was just married with two toddlers, so I felt like I couldn’t take them in, yet I wanted to make sure they were taken care of.

I want to share my story, and let you know that you are not alone if you are in a similar position. Children are expected to take care of their elderly parents when the time comes, but it’s not always that easy.

Caregiver Connection emerged from a place of real love and compassion. We understand the struggle that exists when you care deeply about your loved ones, but you’re faced with decisions you never wanted to make. Our main message is that nobody should have to face these times alone.