Aerobic Exercise for Seniors: Why It Supports Mood and Memory

Aerobic exercise for seniors is a great way to improve your general fitness, including your balance and stability. These low-impact exercises include Tai chi and most forms of cardio.

Are you getting enough exercise every week? According to the CDC, seniors should have at least two and a half hours of exercise in an average week. While it can vary somewhat, it's important not to lapse into inactivity.

Grand Junction, CO, is an excellent city to spend your golden years in. Our city is famous for the Colorado National Monument, as well as a stunning amount of natural beauty. Whether you're here for the Grand Valley or to see some dinosaur fossils, we have something for everyone.

Understanding the aerobic routines seniors need is crucial to supporting brain health in aging seniors. Read on for a quick guide on aerobic exercise and how it can help seniors.

What Is Aerobic Exercise?

While researching fitness and exercise, aerobics is likely something you'll come across. But what does it refer to?

Aerobic exercise is a type of exercise that focuses on continuous, rhythmic movements. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these exercises focus on using your large muscle groups in repetitive motions.

In short, it's a style of exercise that does the opposite of high-impact exercises like weightlifting. Aerobic exercise is a low-impact cardio-focused workout.

What Is an Exercise's Impact?

An exercise's impact is how much of a toll it takes on your body. High-impact, or "heavy-impact" exercises, put more strain on your body. Specifically, it strains your muscles, joints, and bones.

Low-impact exercises avoid putting such strain on your body. They're lighter in intensity and, in many cases, easier than more intense exercises.

Some aerobic exercises include:

• In-place movements
• Swimming and water-based exercises
• Meditative stretches
• Running and general cardio

To summarize, aerobic exercise for seniors is a great way to provide senior heart and brain support. These light cardio exercises help to focus on brain health in aging seniors without straining the body.

Aerobic Routines Seniors Use

What are some of the most common exercise routines for seniors? It's vital to understand your body and what workouts will be most effective for you.

One note to focus on is how these exercises will help you with socialization. A study from Michigan Medicine shows that roughly 1 in every 3 seniors above the age of 50 feels lonely or isolated.

The great news is that aerobic exercise is practically made to be done in a group. While there are plenty of solo exercises, these workouts truly shine in an exercise class.

If you're curious about group fitness, check your local activity calendar. These calendars stay stocked with all the upcoming events you'll love.

Meditative Exercise

One of the first things to think about is how exercise may strain you. Because of this, there are two common meditative exercises for seniors: Tai Chi and Yoga.

Tai Chi is a style of exercise that focuses less on intensity and more on movement. Many people refer to it as "movement for memory" in aging communities due to its aid in their physical and neurological health. These movements also work to help build up your flexibility and balance, which helps you avoid falls.

Tai Chi is paramount for making the most of your active aging benefits. Since it's relaxing and low-intensity, you don't need to worry about much strain.

Yoga is somewhat similar in intensity but different in execution. Yoga is a pose-based exercise that encourages flexibility and blood flow.

Both are great for customization as well. Since there are so many positions and movements for each, seniors can customize which movements they use.

Gentle Strength Training

Strength training is perfect for increasing your body's general fitness and stability. However, many strength-focused exercises are simply too intense for seniors.

Pick your exercises carefully and think about any limitations you have. There are plenty of exercises that aren't challenging at all.

We always recommend the resistance band. These bands are effectively giant rubber bands that you can use in a way similar to weights. They're much safer, easier to use, and more fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Exercise Alone?

While you can exercise alone, we don't recommend it. For one, you'll miss out on all of the socialization public exercise brings! You'll also have more limited use of the fitness amenities your community offers.

More importantly than that, working out alone is often dangerous. If something goes wrong -- a fall, something dropped, or a pulled muscle --you'll need to hope someone is able to come and help you. Or, more accurately, that you can signal you need help.

You also run the risk of doing exercises incorrectly. If you're making mistakes with your exercise or your form, a workout partner or instructor can correct you. But if you're alone, no such aid is possible.

Many assisted living communities focus on providing you with the aid and support you need. While you can exercise alone, there's no need to.

What Are Good Exercises for Beginners?

Tai Chi and Yoga are great beginner exercises. They're low-intensity, customizable, and perfectly suited to a class format.

For more active workouts, you may prefer cardio-centric exercises. Walking, using a treadmill, or treading water will all help.

Do Aerobic Exercises Grow Muscles?

You'll see a level of muscle growth, especially for strength-focused exercises. However, aerobic exercise is more focused on cardio and fitness than muscle growth.

If you're interested in growing muscle, speak to your doctor about what exercises work best.

Understanding Aerobic Exercise for Seniors

Mastering aerobic exercise for seniors means knowing about the most effective aerobic routines seniors can use. Focus on low-intensity, low-impact, cardio-centric exercises at the start. Lean on the social nature of exercise classes for better motivation and safety.

Here at The Lodge at Grand Junction, we know there's more to happiness than an exercise routine. Our signature programs are all customizable, providing you with a schedule you can build and grow yourself, rather than living by someone else's rules. Schedule a tour to see your new home.