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7 Ways Seniors Can Have More Fun

When people get older, their need for physical activity actually increases. Staying active as a senior is a great way to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, make new friends and have a lot of fun. Here are seven simple ways a senior can stay active and have fun in their retirement years.

Enroll in Classes

You are never too old to learn, and there is a huge range of classes aimed at seniors who want to learn a new skill, follow a long-held passion, or simply meet new friends. There are a lot of active classes like swimming and senior aerobics, but more sedate pursuits like painting and sculpting are also great ways to stay active and have fun.

Join a Gym

Joining a gym is great for seniors, and many offer discounts for elderly citizens. You will find classes there if you are looking for something structured, but there are plenty of activities you can do on your own to stay fit. It is important not to push your body too far in old age, so don’t lift too heavy weights or try to go too fast on a treadmill.

Start Off Slowly and Steadily

If you, or the seniors you know, haven’t been very active lately, start off slowly and enjoy slower-paced activities. A trip to the movies is an ideal first day out for a senior that has been isolated. Walking in the park is another step up, as it will help seniors maintain a better balance that they can then take to more active pursuits like the gym. Whatever you do, start slow and make sure you take plenty of breaks.

Check with Your Doctor

Visiting the doctor isn’t often a fun activity, but before a senior starts to become more active it is important to have a good sense of their health and where their physical limits are. If a senior is planning on joining a gym, they should check with their doctor first. The doctor will more than likely be very encouraging and may suggest certain exercises that can help them address any health or mobility problems they have.

Stay Hydrated

Whatever you are doing, stay hydrated. This is important for everyone, but seniors especially if they are being physically active. It doesn’t have to be water either; stopping for a drink in a café or bar turns a water stop into a social outing. You can break up a walk around town with some pit stops to refresh and rehydrate, and have some fun while you do so.

Schedule Some Relaxation Time

All work, and no rest, isn’t fun for anyone. Though you want to stay active, make sure you are rewarded with some relaxing activities. This can be as simple as seeing a movie, visiting a spa, or retail therapy at the mall. Seniors who have mobility problems find folding electric mobility scooters incredibly convenient because they’re portable and can fit in a car, helping them travel further distances.

Play Some Sports

Football and basketball may not be ideal sports for seniors to play, but there are plenty of other options. Golf is incredibly popular with seniors, both male and female. It is the perfect senior sport as it is essentially a nice walk through a large and beautifully tended garden, with something to keep you occupied along the way. The swings and stretches associated with golfing movements also give seniors a good workout while they play.

Getting out and having some fun is great for seniors, both mentally and physically. They can also meet new people and make new friends. Just remember to take things slowly at first and stay hydrated.

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