Keeping active as we get older is a great way to increase longevity, health and quality of life. But, as we age, we often wonder what sports are really safe for us, providing maximum health benefits, but with minimal risk of injury. By choosing exercises appropriately, you can ensure that you’ll be able to continue to work out for years to come. By mixing your routine up a little bit, you’ll ensure that you don’t get bored. Here are five great sports seniors can enjoy with little fear of injury.
1. Golf – It sounds rather clichéd, but golf really is a great game for seniors. Golf is a great game for socializing, making it perfect for couples to do together or for anyone to play with a group of friends. It strengthens the upper body and provides a good cardiovascular workout, provided you leave the golf cart at the club. It also requires concentration and focus, which helps keep you mentally strong too.
2. Swimming –Swimming is a total body workout, because it provides cardiovascular training and works every major muscle group at the same time. And, because of your buoyancy in the water, it causes no stress on the joints.
3. Race walking – Walking is great exercise because it keeps your lower body strong and gives your heart a good workout. When you’re ready to take it up a notch, however, give race walking a try. Race walking gives you more of a cardiovascular workout, but is still less stressful on the joints than running.
4. Cycling – Most of us have known how to ride a bike since we were kids, but many of us don’t think about cycling as a sport for us as we get older. However, cycling is a good cardiovascular workout, it keeps your legs toned and it’s a great way to spend time with friends. You’ll also find that there are plenty of bike races around the country that seniors can participate in when you’re really in good shape. When you’re ready for a new adventure, try mountain biking to take this great outdoor fitness routine up another notch.
5. Hiking –Hiking is another way to take your walking routine up a notch. Visit a place with some great hills, take a backpack and make a day of it. Hiking burns lots of calories and tones your body. Just be certain to talk to your doctor before you begin this sport if you have shortness of breath or cardiovascular disease. Once you’ve mastered hiking, consider rock climbing if you want to take it up another notch!
There’s no reason that senior in relatively good health can’t enjoy sports throughout the rest of their lives. Exercise not only keeps your body strong, but also helps prevent depression and keeps your brain agile. Talk to your doctor before you begin if you are new to exercise. But, don’t let your age stop you from getting out there, having fun and staying fit.
Phyllis Zerkle is a freelance writer and likes writing about healthcare career topics, such as how to get a
master's in nursing online, career advancement tips, and more.