Low Impact Summer Activities

Summer Activities That Are Easy on Your Joints

Leading an active lifestyle is an important part of supporting your health as you get older—but it is important to keep your orthopedic health in mind as you get moving. Here are some activities that can help seniors stay active while taking it easy on their joints.

Gardening

Whether you want to plant a vegetable garden in your backyard or you want to plant a few flowers indoors, gardening is an excellent way to support various areas of your health this summer. Some of the many health benefits of gardening include:

• Increases vitamin D levels
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Reduces risk of cardiac events like heart attack and stroke
• Reduces risk of diabetes
• Reduces risk of developing breast and colon cancer
• Improves cognitive brain function
• Improves muscle strength
• Improves dexterity

Outdoor Yoga

Practicing yoga and doing dynamic stretching are ALSO great ways to help you stay physically active during the summer months, regardless of age or skill level. Some health benefits of doing yoga include:

• Reduces stress levels
• Reduces your risk of heart disease
• Regulates blood pressure
• Supports a healthy weight
• Improves your sleep quality
• Improves your energy levels
• Regulates your mood
• Eases arthritis symptoms
• Improves muscle strength
• Improves balance
• Improves flexibility

Doing yoga outside can also help to increase your vitamin D production and give your mental health a boost too! Grab your yoga mat and hit the beach, your favorite park, or even your backyard!

Water Aerobics

With the summer heat in full swing, hitting the pool and participating in water aerobics can help you stay cool while getting a full-body workout at the same time! Because of the buoyancy of the water, you’re able to move your body more freely without any additional pressure being placed on your weight-bearing joints.

Some additional benefits of swimming and doing water aerobics include:

• Prevents diabetes
• Lowers stress levels
• Regulates mood
• Supports a healthy weight
• Improves flexibility and range of motion
• Reduces arthritis symptoms
• Strengthens the heart
• Reduces blood pressure
• Reduces risk of coronary heart disease

From planting seedlings to doing the backstroke in your pool, remember to get up and get active this summer to support your health!