Exercise is a vital component when it comes to senior care, providing significant health benefits for both men and women. Regular physical activity has been shown to promote muscle, bone, and joint health, as well as reduce stress and feelings of depression. If you're a senior looking to improve your overall fitness, use the guide below for tips to help you get started.

What Fitness Advice Should Active Seniors Follow?

1. Do Something You Love

Whether you enjoy walking, gardening, or water aerobics, finding an activity you enjoy doing that also provides a moderate level of activity can help you reach your fitness goals while still having fun.

Outdoor activities, like gardening, provide a light aerobic workout while also offering valuable vitamin D from the sun, which not only promotes bone strength but also boosts immunity. Turn your fitness routine into something you'll look forward to by joining a walking club for seniors or taking swim classes at your local community center. 

2. Listen to Your Body

While physical activity is essential for maintaining your overall strength and mobility, it's also important to know your limits and listen to your body when you feel tired. If you're just starting out in your fitness routine, take it slow and build up gradually.

Try walking for 15 minutes per day, increasing your distance over time as your stamina improves. If you experience discomfort when performing an exercise or activity, modify your movements to decrease pain and give yourself time to rest and recover.

3. Stay Hydrated

Because your sense of thirst decreases with age, many seniors find it difficult to drink enough water during the day. But proper hydration is important for senior care, especially when exercising, as your body loses fluid as you sweat.

Health officials warn that for seniors, the feeling of thirst is an early warning sign of dehydration, which can result in spasms, dizziness, and fatigue. Prevent this by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle handy at all times when participating in any activity to ensure you're replenishing your fluids before you become dehydrated.

For high-quality senior care, contact the skilled team at Meadowbrook Care Center in Cincinnati, OH. For over 40 years, their premier community has provided a resident-centered senior living facility dedicated to promoting rehabilitation and physical fitness for active seniors and those recovering from injuries.  Contact them today at (513) 489-2444 to schedule a tour of their community, or visit their website to learn more about their services.