Fitness and fun for seniors: a guide to exercise for the elderly

Physical activity helps to prevent loss of muscle mass as well as promoting strength, which will help to keep you independent and able to carry out day-to-day activities for longer.

Movement and exercise can help you become more flexible and maintain your mobility, helping make daily life easier and also helping improve your balance and guard against falls.

Exercise that raises your heart rate and gets you a little out of breath, such as walking or dancing, can enhance your cardiovascular health, keeping your heart stronger for longer.

Exercise releases hormones called endorphins, which help you to feel happier and more positive as well as combating stress, anxiety and depression.

Give yourself a dose of fresh air as well as raising your heart rate and getting out and about by adding more walking into your routine. It’s a simple but effective way of exercising and can be easily adapted to your fitness level.

A low-impact exercise that uses every part of the body, swimming is an excellent aerobic activity for seniors. It puts minimal stress on the joints while having a great effect on cardiovascular health.

The ultimate mood booster, dancing can take the form of a class suitable for older adults, or simply moving to your favourite music while at home. Just be sure to tailor it to your fitness and flexibility levels.

Yoga develops flexibility, mobility and balance. It can also be effective at relieving stress and anxiety, as well as promoting relaxation and mindfulness. There are various modified poses that can account for a variety of fitness levels.

If you’re less mobile, you can still introduce more activity into your routine. Exercises done while seated in a chair, such as leg lifts and arm circles, can be done easily at home and help to improve strength and mobility.