Helping Seniors “Stay Fit for Life!”

Chronic pain is a significant challenge for many seniors, affecting up to 75% of those over 65. This persistent discomfort can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn may contribute to depression, mood swings, and decreased strength and mobility. As a result, daily activities and cherished hobbies can become difficult to enjoy.  However, research shows that exercise can be an effective self-management strategy for chronic pain. Studies indicate that seniors who engage in at least two hours of weekly exercise may experience up to 25% less joint and muscle pain compared to their inactive peers. This is particularly relevant for those with conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that older adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, along with some strength training. This could involve several half-hour walks or a few morning jogs. Resistance training is also beneficial for improving strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help reduce the risk of falls and fractures.For seniors dealing with chronic lower back pain, joint osteoarthritis, or diabetes-related pain, these goals might seem daunting. However, any movement that transitions from sedentary to active can help manage pain. Staying still often worsens chronic pain symptoms, while increased physical activity can significantly reduce ongoing discomfort and help the body adapt to common pain triggers.Regular exercise offers numerous benefits for seniors, including:Maintaining functional joint movementIncreasing mobility and flexibilityImproving cardiovascular health and staminaPreventing the breakdown of bone and cartilage tissueIt's important to remember that physical activity doesn't have to mean intense workouts. For seniors, any form of body movement is beneficial. Here are some tips for staying active:Make exercise social: Invite a friend for a walk, join a community dance class, or incorporate movement into family visits.Keep it fun: Find enjoyable activities that incorporate strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.Set short-term goals and track progress: This can boost motivation and consistency.Many senior living communities, like those operated by Priority Life Care, offer daily exercise classes and social events to keep residents active. These classes can be modified to accommodate various fitness levels, making them accessible to all. They also provide opportunities to find workout buddies for added motivation.By embracing regular physical activity, seniors can gain confidence in managing their pain and improve their overall well-being. The key is to remain as active as current abilities allow, gradually building strength and endurance over time. With persistence and the right approach, chronic pain doesn't have to be a barrier to an active, fulfilling lifestyle in the golden years.FITNESS AND SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIESPriority Life Care Senior Living Communities offer daily exercise classes as well as social events that can keep you moving. Classes are easily modified to accommodate any level of fitness. Its a great way to keep active and find a fitness buddy to keep you motivated. If you are looking to do a specific type of exercise that is not offered, let the Life Enrichment Director know! We often find if one person is asking for something specific, there are other like-minded individuals who will also participate. Visit a Priority Life Care community today to see what is available for you.

Podcasts offer an incredible way to stay entertained, informed, and mentally engaged. They provide a unique opportunity to explore diverse topics, learn new things, and connect with interesting stories and ideas.Benefits of PodcastsMental StimulationEngaging with podcasts provides an excellent mental workout. By listening to content about history, science, art, and various other topics, seniors can:Keep their mind sharpMaintain cognitive vitalityExplore new areas of interestConnection and CommunityPodcasts create a sense of connection through:Storytelling that transports listeners to different worldsDiscussion-based shows that spark thought-provoking conversationsOpportunities to feel part of a broader communityFlexible EntertainmentPodcasts offer:Diverse content for every interestConvenience of listening anytime, anywhereNo rigid schedulesRecommended Podcasts for SeniorsStorytelling and Personal Narratives"The Moth": Real people sharing captivating personal stories"On Being with Krista Tippett": Exploring spirituality and human experiencesHistorical and Cultural Insights"Stuff You Missed in History Class": Uncovering hidden historical stories"Decoder Ring": Exploring cultural phenomena and their originsFiction and Mystery"Unwell, a Midwestern Gothic Mystery": A serialized audio drama exploring small-town secretsGetting StartedTo begin your podcast journey:Use smartphones, tablets, or computersExplore podcast platforms like Spotify or Apple PodcastsStart with topics that genuinely interest youDon't be afraid to try different showsPodcasts provide a wonderful way to learn, be entertained, and stay mentally active, all from the comfort of your home.

When it comes to movement and flexibility as we age, the old adage use it or lose it definitely applies. The more sedentary a person becomes, the harder it becomes to get up and move around. This can also become dangerous, since as we lose flexibility and mobility, injuries and falls become more likely. Exercise programs as we age are a must to stay healthy and safe. But what exercise program will be enjoyable and also appropriate for your age?It might surprise you to hear that martial arts are a great choice for seniors who want to stay active and mobile. Martial arts for seniors are the perfect tool to help you stay motivated to exercise and maintain a sense of independence. Elderly martial arts also offer an opportunity to socialize in a group class setting. The Four Best Martial Arts for SeniorsTai ChiWhen it comes to martial arts for older adults, Tai Chi is an excellent choice. Tai Chi has no contact, so it is gentle, safe, and comes with very minimal risk for injury. It focuses on balance, stability, flexibility, and muscle control all things seniors need to stay healthy and injury free. Tai chi can also help reduce knee and back pain, including the pain associated with arthritis. Brazilian Jiu JitsuBrazilian Jiu Jitsu adds some light contact to your martial arts practice. Designed for self-defense, Jiu Jitsu is a great martial arts practice for older people as it gives you a sense of empowerment and self-reliance. It comes with its own special vocabulary, which will boost mental acuity while also building physical strength. It is a great choice for those who want to try contact martial arts but not put too much strain on their joints. AikidoAikido is another safe choice when looking for martial arts for the elderly since it focuses mainly on standing movements with minimal sparring. Some studios will offer a specialized aikido class called no fall aikido for seniors. Like other martial arts for old people, it will help you build confidence and learn a form of self-defense. It also helps develop the ability to stay calm in stressful or unfamiliar situations. KarateThe Japanese art of Karate is often associated with young people, but it has many benefits for the elderly as well. It is safe and easily adaptable to various skill levels. There is no age limit on earning a black belt. Martial arts are great for seniors who want to stay active but feel bored by safer or mundane activities like walking or yoga (which are both great and useful, but not right for everyone). They help increase strength, confidence, and mental health. They offer a sense of community and accomplishment, both things' seniors need as they age to stave off potential depression and loneliness. They are also just fun!As always, chat with your doctor or primary care provider before jumping into any exercise program. They may be able to offer helpful tips or information you should share with your trainer to help you modify the exercise program to keep you safe and healthy. And never be afraid to tell your trainer you need help or adjustments it is what they are there for. They also want to keep you happy, safe and injury free. To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD