Tips for Seniors to Stay Active This Winter

Staying Active During the Winter Months

With temperatures hitting all-time-lows for the year, it may be tempting to cozy up indoors and catch up on some relaxation, it is essential that you make time for physical activity too.

Why It’s Important to Exercise

As you get older, the more important it is that you remain active to help support all areas of your health. Whether to decide to take a 30-minute walk every day, play sports, or hit the gym—you can reap the many benefits of leading an active lifestyle.

Staying active also helps to reduce your risk of developing the following health issues:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Cancer of the breast, lung, colon and other cancers
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Anxiety

Winter Activities for Seniors

According to the CDC, if you’re over the age of 65 without limiting health conditions, it is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity into your routine each week.

Mall Walking

Walking is an excellent way to fit exercise into your everyday routine, but the harsh winter weather may be preventing you from this low-impact activity. Fortunately, you can do mall walking! Many malls have exercise groups that meet early in the morning to walk around the mall for exercise, avoiding large crowds.

Virtual Fitness Classes

In wake of the current Covid-19 pandemic, you may not be able to head to the gym for fitness classes, but there are plenty of courses available online. Whether you’d like to find free classes on YouTube or pay a membership to be part of a regular Zoom class, there are plenty of options available for all price ranges.

Household Chores

While you may be finding yourself indoors more often these days, what better way to work up a sweat than by deep cleaning your home? Doing activities like sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming can actually get your heart rate up and your blood pumping!