Exercise is One of the Best Ways to Maintain Independence for Older Adults

While we know exercise is good for us, certain ailments can make it more challenging for some seniors. However, you may want to be mindful of advice from the Harvard Medical School that says, “Regular exercise promotes an older adult’s ability to walk, bathe, cook, eat, dress, and use the restroom. If self-reliance is a priority, exercise is one of the best ways to maintain independence for older adults.” In fact, study after study has found exercise offers older adults a longer, healthier, and happy life; but before you begin, please check with your doctor on the best exercise for your level of fitness.

Low impact exercises such as water aerobics and chair yoga are especially good for seniors as they offer lots of benefits and are easy on the body. With water aerobics, the natural buoyancy of the water puts less stress on the joints and it can improve balance, flexibility and strength. Chair yoga puts less stress on the body than regular yoga and can easily be adjusted to the level of fitness for each person. It too offers many of the same benefits as water aerobics.

An easy to start exercise that doesn’t require special equipment or skills is walking. While it can be done almost anywhere, studies have found walking on a nature trail offers physical exercise as well as a calming influence to the spirit. Another good exercise for seniors is Tai Chi. According to the Harvard Medical School, it is shown to “strengthen the heart, improve balance and flexibility, slow the onset of dementia, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and relieves the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and more.” Other exercises for older adults include using resistance bands or doing Pilates to develop core strength and improve balance and flexibility.

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Kirkland WA’s MorningStar community may be your answer. Opening in the fourth quarter of 2021, MorningStar of Kirkland will offer hospitality services, luxury amenities and plenty of chances to exercise including a swimming pool, fitness center and studio, sports courts and more. Our 151 spacious apartments are available in a range of smartly-designed floorplans and configurations, with lots of windows, in-suite washer/dryer, and private patio or balcony. Visit our website for further information, and to ask about our Reservation Special.

MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in independent living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Kirkland, WA has to offer.

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