Stretching is a Good Way to Begin Exercising Again

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin.  For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did.  And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.  

Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin.  In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints.  Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair.  Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles.


Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere.  The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.”  They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some.  Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself.  Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training.  

   

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, a senior living community in Metro Denver, we offer a whole host of amenities, care services and wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents.  Our community offers a choice of 45 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 memory care suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.   


This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.


MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 


Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/

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