How to Get Your Grandparents to Exercise the Fun Way

With the Corona Pandemic limiting the ways most people got their exercise in, it has become increasingly more difficult for families to get the older members of their households to get the requisite exercise they need. Physical activity is especially essential for people who are past a certain age to keep their health intact.

While any physical activity can be converted into an exercise routine, it is important to ensure that the activities are safe and fun for geriatrics. The good news is that there are many activities which can be undertaken by seniors to gain the countless health benefits they provide.

While designing activities for seniors in mind, special care must be taken in how they exercise. Since an older body is far more fragile than a younger person's, the safety aspect is a very important consideration.

1. SHUFFLEBOARD

Shuffleboard has been a popular sport across the world for centuries. It was an especially popular game in both pubs and royal palaces in the 15th Century in England. Initially played on decks aboard ships, the game soon evolved into a land version outdoors. Nowadays you can buy the best shuffleboard table for indoor use which can be enjoyed by the whole family and not just the seniors. Some of the health benefits that playing shuffleboard imparts are Increased Heartrate, Mental stimulation, Stress release, and improved flexibility due to the working of idle muscles.

Shuffleboard rules vary depending on where you are playing, but some general rules and objectives apply universally. While it is true that playing Shuffleboard can be fun, it takes some skill and expertise to win.

2. BOCCE BALL

Bocce ball is an ancient game, traces of which can be found as far back as 5200 B.C. Like shuffleboard, Bocce Ball has undergone change many times and has evolved from a crude sport played with coconuts, to a modern game with cool metallic or composite balls used today.

Playing Bocce Ball is a fun, friendly, yet competitive game of skill. It is an excellent activity for seniors to participate and get some safe exercise. The game boasts a range of health benefits for participants. Some of these include Increased Heartrate, Weight Resistance Training by working Muscles, Stress Release, improved flexibility, and Mental Stimulation that boosts Healthy Cognitive Functions.

The most popular format of Bocce Ball game is Open Bocce. It is the most popular among casual players because it can be played almost anywhere with some open space. The rules are fairly simple and the objective is to get the bocce ball to stop as close to the panillo as possible.

3. DANCING

A health fact; everyone, especially seniors must include at least twenty minutes of aerobic exercise in their everyday routines. While aerobics are great to keep the heart healthy and keep people in shape, when aerobics comes to mind, it is with a mental image of exertion, sweating, and movements that tire you out. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives for the typical aerobic exercise routines. Dancing is a fabulous activity that provides the same benefits as aerobics and is a lot more fun to do as well.

Some viable dance options for senior citizens are Country, tap, chair dancing, Charleston, Tango, Polka and Line Dancing - All low impact styles that won't add stress on joints.

Dancing helps improve posture and balance, tones the body overall, strengthens bones and muscles, improves stamina and flexibility and releases stress. Dancing also lowers the risk of Osteoporosis and depression.

4. YOGA

Like everyone else, seniors too can benefit from practicing yoga regularly.

Yoga is a practice believed to have been practiced for around six thousand years. Its popularity has withstood the test of time. By easing your body into controlled body positions and stretches, all the while practicing meditation and controlled breathing, yoga is practiced for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Yoga is a wonderful low impact way to get the exercise needed to remain in good health. Yoga has a range of physical health benefits for seniors including increased flexibility, balance, muscle strength and tone, increased energy and vitality, improved respiration, weight loss, improved cardiovascular functions etc.