8 Summer Fitness & Wellness Tips for Older Adults

It’s always important to set health and wellness goals. Since we know change is hard, start this summer with a few small things you can do right away. Be sure to track your progress by writing down your achievements. You’ll look back amazed at how much you’ve accomplished. I hope the following tips motivate you to focus on your health and stay active this summer!

1. Grow Your Own Fruits & Vegetables: Gardening is a fantastic, low-impact way to improve mobility and flexibility while enjoying fresh air. And if you plant vegetables — you’ll have the additional bonus of adding fresh ingredients to your diet that will ultimately promote better health and well-being. Gardening can also be a joint activity, allowing you to spend more time with friends and loved ones.

2. Grab Your Dancing Shoes: Nearly every community across America has a local community center or YMCA, which offer resources for a variety of activities ranging from tai chi and yoga to dance and low-impact exercise classes. In addition to providing regular exercise, these centers are great places to meet new people.

3. Take a Dip: Swimming and other water-related activities work many of the major muscle groups in your body without excessive strain on your joints. For those with balance problems, this is a great way to remain active without the risk of falling.

4. See the Grandkids Again (and Again!): Children are seemingly endless balls of energy, and as many grandparents can attest, keeping up with them can be quite the workout. Spending a fun-filled day with your grandchildren in the backyard or at the local playground is an easy way to stay active and invest in our families.

5. Window Shop: Walking is one of the simplest ways to stay active but can feel tedious at times. Spice up your routine by walking around your local mall or shopping center. Many of them open early specifically for “mall-walkers,” and their air-conditioned interiors make for a safe space to exercise during the hot summer months.

6. Stretch Your Mind: As we age, it’s just as important to keep our mind healthy as it is our body. One of the best ways to do this is by learning a new hobby or skill. If you’ve always wanted to learn a second language or play the piano, it’s time to pursue that goal. Many senior centers may have the resources to get you started.

7. Volunteer or Start a Movement: Many retirees don’t realize the importance of daily socialization with colleagues until it’s gone. Volunteering is a great way to get involved with others while giving back to the community. Find a cause that gives you a sense of purpose. You’ll have a lot to add!

8. Space Things Out (and Accomplish More!): The goal for adults is 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week, or about 30 minutes per day five times a week. At first glance this may seem daunting, but breaking any activity down into 3, 10-minute sessions makes it much more manageable.