The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Group Exercise in Senior Living Communities

Exercise is important for physical and mental well-being at any age. However, as we get older, working out becomes even more essential in preventing disease and injury. 

One of the many advantages of senior living communities is having easy access to activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. At The Pillars of Lakeville, group exercise classes are a popular (and fun) way for residents to socialize while building healthy habits. Yoga, cycling, walking, lifting weights, and even dancing offer physical benefits while accommodating differing levels of ability and endurance. 

Let’s discuss how working out strengthens the body and mind, and how to build healthy habits through a variety of exercises. Whether you are an athletic senior or just starting out, this blog will provide helpful tips for staying healthy and active well into retirement.

Building and Maintaining Strong Bodies

Wellness programs and working out are often associated with getting fit. And though fat loss and muscle definition are benefits of exercise, there are others that are just as important. For seniors, a strong body is perhaps one of the most effective tools in helping to prevent disease and injury.

Fall Prevention

Falls can happen when getting up from a chair, stepping out of the shower, or even walking. The risk increases as we age, and fragile bones make seniors more prone to hip fractures and other serious injuries. Exercise improves balance and coordination, potentially reducing the chance of falls during everyday activity. For this reason, group exercises at retirement communities often include moves that focus on stability and improving coordination.

Flexibility and Mobility

Stiff muscles and joints make reaching, bending, and lifting more challenging – and even dangerous. Maintaining a good range of motion is essential to staying mobile and active for years to come. Even gentle stretching and exercise helps bodies stay flexible and can temporarily alleviate pain and stiffness from arthritis. In addition to feeling better, staying limber helps prevent and can reduce the severity of common injuries in aging adults.

Heart Health

The American Heart Association lists lack of exercise as one of the main contributors to heart disease, and that risk increases for seniors (especially women). Though retirement might be associated with living a more relaxed life, being too sedentary does more harm than good. Moving your body at least a few times a week, along with eating a healthy diet, is critical in protecting your cardiovascular health. If you need help with nutrition planning, The Pillars of Lakeville has programs available to help you stay on track.

Independence

Loss of independence is perhaps one of the most challenging parts of getting older. When activities like cleaning, lawn maintenance, using step stools, and walking up and down the stairs become more difficult, it’s understandable to feel frustrated. 

Participating in a physical wellness program can help seniors live a more independent lifestyle by keeping their body healthy and strong. Fitness instructors and physicians can assist in developing exercises based on an individual's physical needs and limitations.

Promoting Mental Well-being and Social Interaction

Social interaction is important at any age. As people enter their retirement years, daily routines and friendship circles often change, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. Staying active during the winter months can bring additional challenges as people tend to spend more time inside to avoid driving in the snow.

Joining a senior fitness class is an easy way to get social interaction while doing something good for the body. Exercise is proven to release endorphins, helping to improve mood while reducing stress. It’s also wonderful for brain health! Thinking through coordinated movements works your brain muscles, which improves mental sharpness and helps reduce cognitive decline.

Keeping It Fun With a Variety of Group Exercises

Monotony often leads to boredom and the temptation to stop working out altogether. Keep senior fitness routines interesting by participating in a variety of exercises. Here are some of the popular group exercise classes offered at senior living communities.

• Yoga or Pilates: Stretching and gentle movements keep you limber, helps with coordination, and can help improve balance. If standing is a concern, “chair yoga” and “chair pilates" are modified group exercises that allow people to participate while remaining safely seated.

• Water Exercises: Swimming and water aerobics are both popular senior fitness options for a good reason! Water adds buoyancy, easing the strain on your body while providing a good workout.

• Cycling: Get moving with a fun, lower-impact version of the standard, high-impact cycling classes. The stationery bikes used in these classes can be adjusted based on the level of resistance you prefer. 

• Dance: For those who don’t enjoy exercise, dance classes are a fun way to get moving while having fun. You get the benefits of gentle cardio while 

• Strength Training: Strength and resistance training have many proven benefits. In addition to building muscle, these exercises can benefit bone health and help you feel stronger overall.

• Walking: A great exercise for all bodies and physical abilities, walking is great for general health. The Pillars of Lakeville has paved walking paths throughout the community to enjoy with friends on a nice day.

No Excuses: Senior Fitness Is for Everyone!

Remember that physical limitations do not have to be a barrier to physical fitness. Instructors make it a priority to ensure that participants of all levels and abilities experience a safe and effective workout. Before beginning any type of wellness program, speak with your physician to discuss any health-related limitations related to exercise. Communicate any restrictions with your instructor before class, so they can help you adapt accordingly. 

Last and most important of all, have fun! The body is capable of amazing things. Instead of thinking of workouts as a chore, consider it a social activity with healthy benefits. Chances are you’ll make a few friends along the way, making group exercise classes even more enjoyable. 

Promoting an Active Lifestyle at Senior Living Communities 

At The Pillars of Lakeville, our award-winning, person-centered approach to care helps residents live a happier and healthier life. Our senior wellness programs include a variety of indoor and outdoor activities benefitting the body and mind while building community. 

If you are interested in learning more about our retirement community, we would love to hear from you. Schedule a tour to learn more about life at Pillars Senior Living Communities.