Physical Wellness Activities for Seniors in Inverness, FL
According to the U.S. CDC, a study found that 28% of American adults 50 and older were physically inactive. Adults with at least one chronic (long-term) disease were also less active than those without. The CDC further states that communities can help their adult residents become more physically active.
Fortunately, communities throughout Inverness, Florida, including Highland Place Assisted Living, our warm and loving retirement community, support senior health and wellness by making physical wellness activities more accessible to older adults. From daily exercise programs to physical and social events and fun games that stimulate the body and brain, older adults can expect all these and more in our retirement village and Inverness, the walkable, bicycle-friendly, and beautiful lakefront city serving as the county seat of Citrus County, FL.
In today's post, we'll explore activities and events for senior fitness in Inverness, FL, so please read on.
Daily Stretching
Stretching is a form of physical activity that can lengthen muscles and tendons. It aims to improve one's range of motion and flexibility.
Stretching involves extending a body part (e.g., the arms to their highest reach), staying in this position for a few seconds, and repeating the steps several times.
Benefits of Stretching
Daily stretching can be a crucial component of healthy senior routines because it can provide mobility support for older adults. As Healthline explains, stretching may enhance mobility because it may help:
- Improve posture and joint movement
- Release muscle tension
- Ease soreness
- Lower the risk of injury
- Boost circulation
- Support better balance and coordination
- Promote muscle control and health
Through regular stretching, seniors in Inverness, FL, may experience less soreness and aches and may become less likely to slip, trip, or fall.
Which Parts of the Body Are Safe for Seniors to Stretch?
It's safe for most seniors to stretch many parts of the body, but warming up before doing so is crucial to reduce injury risk. Warm-up movements are light, dynamic actions (e.g., a few minutes of brisk walking or arm circles) that can help boost blood flow and lubricate the joints. They prepare the soft tissues for stretching and activities with higher levels of intensity, such as cardio workouts.
After warming up, older adults can then stretch the following:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Arms and hands
- Chest
- Hips
- Lower back
- Hamstrings
- Ankles
- Toes
Stretching isn't painful, but seniors, especially those who haven't been active for some time, are likely to feel some tension while doing this activity. Experiencing pain often means overstretching, which older adults should avoid to keep injuries at bay.
Spending Time in Nature
As the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) points out, nature stimulates physical activity. It can give people a better experience while exercising, increasing their motivation to continue engaging in active aging programs. Nature time can also help with:
- Heart health
- Cognitive function
- Stress
- Sleep quality
- Mental health
- Immune system
The good news is that Inverness, FL, is home to many excellent parks, including the Whispering Pines City Park, a sprawling green space which VISIT FLORIDA says covers 290 acres! It has miles and miles of lush greenery that park visitors can enjoy hiking and walking their dogs in. It also has many recreational and sports amenities, including:
- A pool and splash pad
- Pickleball
- Disc golf
- Tennis
Wallace Brooks Park and Liberty Park are other top options for seniors who'd like to enjoy and benefit from the many potential health perks of spending time in nature.
All those beautiful green spaces are just a little over one mile from Highland Place Assisted Living, our pet-friendly senior living community in Inverness, FL. Our retirement village also has lovely outdoor spaces where residents can get some exercise in, relax, or socialize while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.
Socializing Through Group Exercise
Group exercise for seniors refers to physical wellness and fitness activities tailored for older adults and conducted in social settings. Since they have a social aspect, seniors may find them more enjoyable than exercising alone.
Some examples of group exercises for older adults are:
- Walking clubs
- Chair exercises
- Tai-chi
- Dancing
- Yoga
- Water aerobics
Socialization is just as crucial to seniors' overall health and wellness because it can help fight social isolation and loneliness.
According to an article published in JAMA Network, researchers say there's an association between isolation and loneliness and the risk of developing chronic health conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dementia
Improved social connections, on the other hand, have a link to better physical, emotional, and social well-being and increased longevity.
At Highland Place Assisted Living, we strive to provide our residents with easy access to stimulating activities that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We plan and develop programs designed to encourage our seniors to participate in physical, social, and recreational group events, and we also have an on-site activity room.
Enjoying Inverness, Florida's Water-Based Activities
As a lakefront city, Inverness provides convenient access to the Tsala Apopka Lake chain, including Lake Tsala Apopka and Lake Henderson. The Withlacoochee River is also close by, and so are smaller bodies of water like Fred's Lake and Francis Lake.
Because of its closeness to blue spaces, Inverness is an excellent spot for many water-based activities, such as:
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Paddleboarding
Engaging in the above can help seniors with their health and fitness goals while also being gentler on the joints. Harvard Health also says that exercising in water can serve as both a cardio workout and strength training. They also burn more calories than activities done on land.
Consider These Physical Wellness Activities for Better Health
From daily stretching to spending time in nature, exercising in groups, and enjoying water-based exercise, all these are physical wellness activities that seniors in Inverness, FL, should engage in. Not only are they fun, they're also good for physical, social, and mental health.
If you or an aging loved one is thinking of transitioning to a retirement village in Inverness, FL, consider exploring Highland Place Assisted Living. Our senior living community specializes in delivering personalized care and assistance to each of our residents in a beautiful, loving environment. Here, residents enjoy tailored care plans, fitness and wellness programs, many on-site amenities, and compassionate support.
Speak with us today for any questions and to book a tour of our lovely retirement village!