It’s important in your senior years to stay active and moving. That’s why at Windsor Senior Living, we take pride in offering many programs that are senior-friendly and full of life-enriching benefits. The benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle—especially into your senior years—are astounding. So, maybe you’re wondering what kind of life-enriching benefits come from staying active.

Why Staying Active Is Important for Seniors

According to the World Health Organization, leading a sedentary lifestyle is one of the 10 leading causes of death and disability. It’s apparent living an active lifestyle is essential at any age. Maintaining an active lifestyle well into your senior years is more important than you might think. Being active is associated with many great physical and mental benefits. Daily exercise from being active gives you the tools to help maintain your independence as a senior. 

Physical Benefits

Being active is associated with many benefits such as a healthier heart, increased flexibility, and stronger bones. Being physically active strengthens the muscles that keep you going. Strengthening these muscles also greatly reduces the risk of falling—one of the leading causes of injury to seniors. Regular exercise also improves your cardiovascular health. Exercise that raises the heart rate will increase blood flow to the heart and boost your overall well being. 

Mental Benefits

Being sedentary in later years can increase the risk of developing dementia. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found the more a senior exercises, the less risk they have of developing dementia. There are also other benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle. Another study showed that seniors who got at least five hours of exercise a week exhibited greater confidence in being able to live independently. 

Types of Physical Activities to Promote Health

• Walking: As simple as it seems, walking at least five hours per week can keep both your mind and body sharp. Walking is a great, free workout that can have a big impact on your health. Anything that gets your heart rate up is good.
• Swimming: Swimming is considered the world’s perfect exercise. Swimming is a great way to increase your cardiovascular fitness while also strengthening your muscles. This is an exceptional exercise that can also be really fun.  
• Yoga: Yoga is low-impact and gentle on your body’s joints. You still have to support your own weight with every posture which is perfect for seniors. This exercise can strengthen core muscles and help with stability and balance. 
• Strength and Aerobic Classes: Building muscle and keeping your heart pumping is the key to living a long, healthy life. The awesome thing is that it’s never too late to start! Taking classes is a great way to start building up a foundation to grow on.

Keep Active In A Senior Living Community In New Orleans

At Windsor Senior living we help you keep and maintain an active lifestyle. No matter where your interests lie, The Windsor activities staff has an activity planned for you. Our vibrant community is peppered with activities and events to keep you on your feet. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact Windsor Senior Living at (985) 624-8040 or fill out a form online. We offer guided tours of all of our facilities to help guide your decision without feeling pressured.