Regular exercise improves mood; helps prevents chronic diseases; boosts immune function; aids long-term cognitive function; protects against bone loss; decreases pain; maintains strength and range of motion, and reduces the risk of injury. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate endurance activity a week for adults 65 years of age or older. This includes aerobic, stretching and strength-building activities. Even just carving out 15-20 minutes each day to do these activities can keep you healthier and help improve your lifestyle.

Here are 5 ideas to help incorporate exercise into your day:

  1. Sign up for a gym: many insurance plans include Silver and Fit or Silver Sneakers, which gets you free memberships to local gyms like the Lititz Rec.
  2. Recruit a friend to join you – research shows that having an exercise buddy can help you stick with an exercise routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated, you can just go for a walk or visit a park.
  3. Try a new activity – see what your friends are up to and check out a new dance class, yoga class, Aquacise or new sport like Pickleball. Or, take a look at the classes that are offered at your local Senior Center.
  4. Take time to stretch – flexibility helps with balance and reduces stiffness. Take 5 minutes in the morning to stretch, maybe with a new yoga pose. Check out some of these stretches.
  5. Try some balance exercises – Better balance will decrease your risk of falling. Here are 6 exercises from Silver Sneakers complete with videos.

Learn more information about the benefits of Life Plan Communities and United Zion’s range of services by calling us at (717) 627-8421.

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