Living senior: The benefits of exercise for seniors
Living senior and looking for a new retirement community that will support an active lifestyle? Burnham Waters in Essex is a vibrant new over 55 community, offering access to a host of on-site leisure facilities for residents to enjoy. As we get older, looking after our mental and physical wellbeing should be paramount. In our opinion, it’s key to a healthy and happy life. This week, the team at Burnham Waters detail the importance and benefits of exercise in retirement, plus the simple things you can do to look after your body through physical activity and encourage optimum quality of life for years to come!
Why is physical activity so important for over 55s?
As we get older and we are living senior, our body naturally slows down. However, light exercise can significantly help to keep our minds and bodies active, stable and generally, in a good place. As well as preventing or delaying common health issues and potential injuries that come with age, regular exercise can inspire a new lease of life, aid in making those all-important connections and allow you to enjoy a long and healthy retirement for years ahead!
When we say exercise, don’t worry, we don’t mean hours on the treadmill! Physical activity can be light and non-strenuous. In fact, any daily movement helps to achieve the overall health suggestions of the elder adult. The NHS recommends being physically active each day for around 20 minutes, if manageable. When we think, there’s an average of around 12 working hours in a day, so the short amount of time is certainly achievable for most.
The benefits of exercise when living senior
Simply speaking, regular physical activity can prolong our lives. From promoting good physical and mental health, to enabling routine and new connections, the benefits are countless. Here are just some of the advantages our luxury retirement community have found:
Mental health
Exercise provides an instant mood boost, serotonin and endorphins flood the body during and after a session, allowing us clearer cognitive function. Exercise outside, like walking, can have an even more profound impact! Nature and its elements have the power to reawaken, revive and reset any intrusive thoughts. Light exercise ensures that you are keeping your mind active. Just like you would your body, it’s important that you stimulate your brain to optimise your mental wellbeing upon retirement.
Physical health
Of-course, exercise is a great way to improve your fitness levels, strength, balance, flexibility and overall physical health. It can also help you lose excess weight and prevent or manage various health conditions like, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain, and diabetes. Walking can also aid in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, whilst encouraging stronger bone mass and improved balance.
Personal time
Taking personal time is absolutely fundamental. It’s imperative that you schedule time for yourself, just like you would a doctor’s appointment, or coffee with a friend. Whether it’s a moment to practice gratitude, burn off some steam, or to hit your step goal at the end of the day, self-care and personal time is paramount, and light exercise is a great way to make sure you’re getting that daily essential.
Social connections
Joining a walking group, a yoga club or even your luxury retirement community swimming group is a great way to ensure you are looking after your body through regular exercise, but importantly, it encourages new connections to be made! If you’re looking for opportunities to meet new people, exercise groups are a great place to start. Read our blog post on the benefits of yoga here.
This time to connect doesn’t necessarily have to be with other people either. You can use exercise time to get to know yourself a little better, or even get a little closer to nature. Create a state of awareness, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, the sights and surroundings to encourage core connection to aid in your physical and mental wellbeing.
Exercise for seniors
Looking to increase your level of exercise? If you’re in need of inspiration, here are a few examples of activities we would suggest for over 55s.
Light activity
- Walking around the house and up the stairs when possible
- Going for regular 15-minute walks at a slow pace
- Leisurely housework, cleaning and vacuuming
- Light gardening
Moderate activity
- Longer regular walks at a faster pace for 20 minutes+
- Water aerobics
- Beginners dance class
- Beginners yoga/pilates class
High intensity activity
- Playing tennis or any other sport you enjoy
- Running or jogging
- Swimming
- Walking uphill/hiking
- Bike riding
Exercise will raise your heart rate, make you breathe faster, and you’ll feel warmer! If you’re not sure which type of exercise is best for you, be sure to speak to your doctor for their advice.
A healthy retirement
At Burnham Waters luxury retirement community, we want all of our living senior residents to enjoy a happy and healthy retirement with us. We want you to live an enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle, in which you can make the most of this next stage of life! The facilities on site for all to use just a stone’s throw away from our properties will include:
- Gym
- Fitness Classes
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis
- Allotments
- Routes and nature trails for walking and cycling, including a scenic lake and more!
Get in touch
If you’d like to receive more information about our luxury retirement community, our friendly team are on hand to help you discover the perfect options for your requirements. Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559. You can also fill out our contact form for a downloadable brochure.
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of our home page and sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news on our community for the 55 and overs. We look forward to hearing from you!
