Spring is on the way! All of us at Seniors Speak Out are excited to finally store our coats away, grab our sneakers and get out to enjoy the warm weather.

For seniors, a great way to take advantage of the new season is to embrace physical activity outside. After all, exercise can lead to healthier aging and it can allow us to live more independent lifestyles. Whether you’re a sports fan or an avid gardener, hopefully our tips on how to stay active this spring will lead seniors across the country to get up off the couch and enjoy the great outdoors.

For the sports fan: Some local community centers offer croquet and bocce ball leagues for seniors, which is a relaxing way to combine exercise and socialization. Also be sure to check out the National Senior Games Association for more information on senior sports leagues offered near you.

For those with a green thumb: Consider starting a gardening club at your local community center. This is a wonderful way to get outside while also giving back to the environment.

For the animal lover: If you don’t have your own dog to play fetch with, volunteering at a pet shelter is an easy way to get active. At the shelter, you can offer to take a dog for a walk so you can both enjoy the sunshine.

For the photography enthusiast: Grab your camera and simply go for a walk. You will be surprised by the amount of beautiful flowers waiting to be photographed.

For the social butterfly: It’s no surprise that exercise is more fun when others are involved. Before you venture out on a walk around town, gather up a group of friends or family members to join in.

For the shopaholic: If there is an outdoor shopping mall in your neighborhood, window shopping is a great way to stay physically active while also looking for a bargain.

 
How do you plan to take advantage of the warmer months upon us? Tell us in the comments section below!

You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times, now is the time to get active! As seniors, it is important that we do all we can to take care of ourselves. Exercise is a great way to manage stress, improve your mood and even prevent or delay disease. And it can be fun! Here are some tips from the National Institutes of Health. Read below and visit their website for more information on active aging!

Keep it Safe

Safety should always be your number one priority when it comes to being active. Most simple physical activity should be fine for all seniors, but never hesitate to ask your doctor before getting started. If you have any preexisting conditions or have recently had surgery, check with your doctor to see what type of activity would be best for you.

If it has been awhile since you last exercised, you might experience soreness or discomfort when you get back into the swing of things. Don’t be alarmed. Go easy on yourself and gradually prepare your body for additional exercise. If you feel sick to your stomach or have considerable pain, stop exercising and contact your doctor immediately. Better to be safe than sorry!

Keep it Simple

Committing to everyday exercise can be tough, that’s why it’s important to keep it simple. If it’s inconvenient or exceedingly difficult, it may be tough to keep up with the regimen. Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Put those weights next your TV chair and do some lifting during the commercial breaks, add an extra lap from the mailbox to the front door, or walk every aisle at the grocery store. Keep it simple.

Prefer to exercise just once a day? Consider joining a gym or fitness center in your community. Look into classes that are targeted for seniors and don’t forget to check with your Medicare health plan to see if gym memberships or fitness programs are part of the extra coverage they offer.

Keep it Social

Getting active, just like other things in life, is best when it’s done with others. Invite your friends or family members to go on a walk around the neighborhood or check out a local nature trail. Everyone—young and old—can benefit from embracing an active lifestyle. Get a group together to go to a local gym or start a daily fitness challenge with your spouse. There’s nothing like accountability to keep you active.

Keep it Up!

Once you’ve started, don’t give up. Remember, the first few days will be the hardest, it only gets easier from there. Diversify your exercise often so you don’t get bored and never stop looking for ways to get active in your everyday life!