With age, the human body and mind tend to slow down and get progressively weaker. As a result, it is quite common to find senior citizens leading less active lifestyles under the assumption that such is the ideal way to live. However, the reality is actually the opposite—the need for an active lifestyle increases with age.

An active lifestyle strengthens the body and mind, thus keeping it from weakening faster than it should. Being active also positively impacts the mood, improves the ability to make decisions, and can even help with self-image issues.

In short, living a sedentary, inactive lifestyle is the last thing a senior citizen needs. To avoid falling into the habit of lethargy, here are 5 tips for staying active as a senior citizen.

Stay mentally active with puzzles and memory games

As a senior citizen, being mentally active should be a priority, and this may be easier than being physically active. Doing mind-stimulating tasks such as solving puzzles, reading books, drawing, teaching, or even playing e-games go a long way. Such tasks help keep the mind sharp!

Attend communal events

A good way to stay active as senior citizen is to attend social events. These can be talk shows, live performances, group activities with other seniors, and more. Communal events are key for two reasons: First, they provide excellent mental and physical stimulation, and second, they’re a great way to avoid isolation, which can be a serious problem for senior citizens. Such events can give senior citizens a chance to socialise with like-minded peers and even make friends with those who enjoy similar activities.

Learn a new skill by going to classes

Learning a new skill is another smart option for senior citizens looking to stay active. Despite the fact that the ability to learn new skills decreases after the age of 40, it doesn’t mean it is impossible or doesn’t offer benefits. Attending classes is a great way to set a daily routine for seniors, which has many benefits, and offers the required stimulation to avoid slipping into a sedentary lifestyle. Remember, something as simple as learning to dance or paint can be greatly beneficial toward overall the wellbeing of seniors.

Try moderate aerobic exercises

For senior citizens, staying active includes getting in a manageable amount of physical exercise. This can be achieved by forms of moderate aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, and mild weighted workouts. Exercises that can strengthen the body help increase bone health, improve stamina, maintain muscle strength, control arthritis, and reduce heart disease, type-II diabetes, and colon cancer.

Moreover, such physical activity was found to be beneficial to memory too! A study of 120 adults suggests that adults without dementia who performed moderate aerobic exercise had larger hippocampi. This section of the brain is responsible for memory. Further, these adults had improved spatial memory as well. However, despite all these benefits of exercise, it is important to consult a doctor first. Without proper guidance, elders may develop injuries that can just as easily leave them inactive for a long time.

Get massage therapy

Staying active isn’t restricted to going out and doing something but can also include relaxing and getting a massage. Massage therapy is especially crucial for senior citizens who have no form of physical activity or exercise included in their daily routine. With age, the body experiences stiffness and pain, which can restrict staying active. Getting massaged is an effective and non-intrusive solution to dealing with such age-related issues.

With these tips, you now have an idea of the different effective ways to stay active as a senior citizen or as a caregiver to a senior. Remember, identifying limits is crucial to staying healthy, especially if the goal is to get more physically active. While striking the perfect balance between physical and mental activity can be tricky for family members who have transitioned into the role of caretakers, you can always look towards the Senior’s Club at Kshetra’s Assisted Living Facility in India. Here, seniors can look forward to social and recreational activities every month with like-minded peers.

To address the needs of seniors requiring more hands-on care, you can also opt for short or long-term care at Kshetra’s Assisted Living Facility. Here, trained caregivers offer residents the highest level of comfort while assisting with daily tasks in a non-intrusive manner. This includes getting help with medication management, toileting, bathing, and even grooming.

At Kshetra’s premises, residents become a part of the community that provides for mental, physical and social stimulation. Kshetra has over 22 years of experience in old age citizen care and as an ISO-certified assisted living facility, ensures happiness for all its residents. Contact us to know more.