Physical Wellness Activities for Seniors in Orland Park
Research from the Canadian Medical Association, cited by Medical News Today, suggests that 150 minutes of weekly physical activity can help older adults live longer. That's just a little over 20 minutes a day to unlock a more vibrant, energized life.
Physical wellness activities play a vital role in enhancing seniors' quality of life--from supporting heart health to boosting mental clarity. Discovery Commons Orland Park Assisted Living in Orland Park, IL 60462, believes that physical health for older adults thrives on consistency, enjoyment, and purpose.
Our active aging programs are built on compassion to support residents in living a more independent and fulfilling life. Uncover physical wellness activities in Orland Park that can help you enjoy your golden years.
Gardening
Gardening is both therapeutic and physically beneficial. It supports a senior's body and mind. Gardening involves various activities, such as:
- Digging and planting
- Watering
- Pruning and trimming
- Weeding
- Raking and sweeping
Digging and planning flower beds helps improve hand dexterity and coordination in seniors. Gentle walking around the garden area can also enhance your mobility.
Activities like weeding involve kneeling, bending, or squatting. Such movements help strengthen leg and back muscles.
They also improve overall body flexibility. Beyond physical benefits, gardening helps seniors develop valuable life skills, such as:
- Planning and organization
- Patience and resilience
- Critical thinking
Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs
Warm-ups get the body ready for exercise by boosting blood flow to the muscles. They help loosen the joints and enhance flexibility.
Warm-ups reduce the shock to the cardiovascular system and help ease the body into more intense activity. They involve gentle movements, such as:
- Warm circles or joint rotations
- Marching in place
- Slow walking
- Gentle stretching
Cool-downs allow the body to ease back into a resting state after exercise. They gradually reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Ensure to include warm-up and cool-down exercises at the start and end of each workout.
Dancing
Dance is more than just a joyful expression. It's a fun and effective way for older adults to stay active, connected, and vibrant.
Repeated dynamic movements provide excellent mobility support for seniors. This can enhance your balance, flexibility, and overall confidence in movement.
Dancing is more beneficial for older adults with arthritis or limited movement. It provides gentle stretching and joint activation in a safe, structured environment.
Common senior-friendly dances include:
- Line dancing
- Chair dancing
- Ballroom dancing
- Low-impact Zumba
- Tap dancing
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is a low-impact physical wellness activity that is gentle on joints, bones, and muscles. It's ideal for seniors experiencing arthritis, osteoporosis, or general joint stiffness.
Moving against the resistance of water increases heart rate and improves circulation. This strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and boosts overall endurance.
Water aerobics also builds strength without the need for heavy weights. It involves exercises like water jogging, leg lifts, and arm curls. These activate key muscle groups, leading to:
- Better posture
- Improved balance
- Increased physical independence
Water aerobics is also ideal for older adults struggling with excess body weight. It improves metabolism, promoting effective weight management. It helps maintain muscle mass as the body ages.
Walking
Walking is a low-impact yet effective physical wellness activity for seniors. It enhances heart health by strengthening the heart.
It also boosts blood circulation without putting excess strain on the knees or hips. For seniors with limited mobility, walking helps:
- Promote better gait mechanics
- Reduce stiffness
- Maintain a confident, upright posture
This makes walking vital for preventing falls and promoting independence. Group walking promotes socialization, particularly among seniors who often struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
New residents in assisted living should consider joining senior walking clubs. These clubs turn walking into a social highlight by offering camaraderie, motivation, and meaningful conversation.
Seniors in Orland Park can enjoy walking or exploring various local attractions that are accessible, such as:
- Discovery Park
- Centennial Park
- Twin Tower Sanctuary
- Orland Square
Jogging
Jogging, unlike walking, is a moderate-impact exercise suitable for seniors without conditions like arthritis. It burns more calories than walking.
It's also more effective for engaging muscles, especially the core and legs. Jogging is also great for seniors who've been active for a while.
Jogging also supports:
- Balance and coordination
- Respiratory function
- Good heart health
- Better bone density
- Joint flexibility
Jogging is a powerful tool for enhancing seniors' mental and emotional well-being. Seniors who jog regularly often report deeper, more restful sleep. This improves overall mood, focus, and energy levels during the day.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga addresses joint stiffness and poor balance in gentle, mindful ways. It promotes flexibility and range of motion without straining the joints.
Yoga helps alleviate discomfort from arthritis and keeps the body limber. It tones multiple muscle groups through controlled movements and held postures. This supports muscle endurance and strength, making it easier to:
- Climb stairs
- Maintain balance while showering or dressing
- Carry groceries
- Stand for extended periods
- Walk steadily without assistance
At Discovery Commons Orland Park Assisted Living, we incorporate yoga into our senior fitness routines to also promote residents' emotional wellness. Yoga and other gentle activities in our exclusive programs promote a state of calm and mindfulness.
Light Strength Training
Light strength training is part of group exercise in senior care. It helps slow down the natural loss of muscle mass that comes with aging. This helps maintain muscle strength, making everyday tasks like lifting groceries easier.
Light strength training also:
- Reduces fall risk
- Enhances mobility and flexibility
- Helps manage chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis
- Encourages independence
Assisted living communities have fitness classes to encourage strength training. Exercise classes also allow seniors to socialize and share experiences. This improves their mood, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Understanding Physical Wellness Activities for Older Adults
Physical wellness activities strengthen the body and improve overall emotional wellness in aging. They also promote social connection, which boosts mood and mental clarity.
At Discovery Commons Orland Park Assisted Living, we keep seniors active through activities such as yoga, sit-and-stretch, and bowling, which are featured in our activity calendar. Our SHINE® Memory Care program supports seniors with cognitive challenges and is recognized by the Alzheimer's Association for its excellence in Alzheimer's care and research.
Let us help you or your loved one enjoy a healthy aging experience.