Staying physically active is crucial as you age, especially once you’re over 70. Regular physical activity helps improve mobility, strengthens muscles, reduces the risk of getting chronic diseases, and boosts mental health. It’s never too late to start, and even light exercise can make a big difference in how you feel physically and emotionally. Whether you’re already active or looking for ways to move more, there are plenty of opportunities to stay fit, healthy, and engaged. This article offers some top advice for those over 70.

Start with Gentle Exercises
If you haven’t been active recently, it’s important to ease into exercise with gentle activities that are easy on the joints and muscles. Regular movement, even in small amounts, can help you build strength, flexibility, and endurance over time. Start with:
- Walking: Walking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and supports joint health. Try to walk for 20-30 minutes a day, whether outside in the fresh air or indoors at a local mall or community center.
- Chair exercises: For those with mobility issues, chair exercises provide a safe and low-impact way to stay active. Seated exercises like leg lifts, arm raises, and seated stretches can improve circulation, flexibility, and strength without putting strain on the body.
- Swimming or water aerobics: Exercising in water is gentle on the joints and offers resistance that helps build strength and endurance. Water aerobics classes are often offered at local pools or recreation centers, making them an excellent option for seniors.
Incorporate Strength and Balance Training
Maintaining muscle strength and balance becomes crucial for preventing falls and preserving mobility. Incorporating several strength and balance exercises into your routine can help improve coordination, reduce the risk of falls, and keep you active for longer. Don’t be concerned about what strength training involves. It doesn’t have to mean lifting heavy weights. You can use light dumbbells, resistance bands, or even just your own body weight to build muscle. You can also try simple exercises like standing on one foot, heel-to-toe walking, or practicing yoga to improve your balance significantly.
Stay Social and Active with Group Activities
Group exercises and social activities can motivate you to stay fit while offering opportunities for social engagement, which is equally important for mental health. Many community centers and senior organizations offer group exercise classes. These classes not only provide a structured way to stay active but also allow you to meet new people and build friendships.
Consider Moving into a Care Home for Tailored Physical Activities
For some seniors, mobility issues, health concerns, or living situations may make it challenging to stay active at home. In such cases, moving into a care home designed for older adults can offer a supportive environment where staying physically active is encouraged through structured programs and professional care.
The great news is many care homes offer physical activity programs specifically designed for seniors. These activities may include gentle stretching classes, dancing, gardening, chair-based exercises, or guided walking groups. Langford Park is a care home in Exeter that does just this. Residents can participate in physical activities that match their abilities, helping them stay fit without putting undue strain on their bodies. Staff are available to supervise and provide assistance, ensuring that exercises are performed correctly and reducing the risk of injury.
Care homes often have on-site physical therapists who can develop personalized exercise plans to improve strength, mobility, and balance. This is especially helpful for residents recovering from surgery or injury or managing chronic conditions like arthritis.
Stay Consistent with Daily Movement
It’s important to keep moving even on days when you’re not engaging in formal exercise. Regular movement throughout the day helps maintain flexibility, improve circulation, and keep energy levels up. Remember, household activities like cleaning, cooking, or gardening can count. These tasks keep you moving while also contributing to your overall fitness.
Conclusion
Staying active over the age of 70 is essential if you want to maintain good physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it’s through gentle exercises, strength training, group activities, or moving into a care home that supports your fitness goals, there are plenty of ways to keep moving as you age.
Read also:
Leave a Reply