How to Keep Senior Citizens Fit

Keeping fit is an issue for everyone. The foods we eat set us back and the lack of appropriate exercise sets us back even further. Each age group needs a specialized program. A child cannot exercise like a teenager. A senior doesn't need to exercise the same as a twenty-something. Staying fit as a senior citizen can be fun and beneficial at the same time. Read on to learn how to keep senior citizens fit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact your doctor and ask her if an exercise program is appropriate for you.
2. Speak to a nutritionist to make sure you are eating the right foods. Keeping fit is more than just exercising.
3. Determine what areas have not been up to par in the last few years. Is it harder to walk up stairs? Is it more difficult to keep your balance? Is it more difficult to pick up heavier boxes?
4. Exercise your heart. Do cardiovascular exercising for at least 20 minutes. These exercises include walking and swimming.
5. Strengthen your muscles and bones. This can be done with weights and resistance training. Lift what your doctor says is appropriate. Take your time and try to do less, more frequently, rather than more in a shorter period of time. Don't forget to breathe properly.
6. Stretch. Your body may need more joint flexibility. Do it right, though. A local health club or your physical therapist are great resources for this task.
7. Keep your brain exercised as well. Your brain needs to stay active and needs stimulation. Read, do word puzzles, discuss issues with friends or take a class in order to keep the brain moving.
8. Surround yourself with energetic people. A common problem in active adult communities is the fact that there are people around you passing away much more frequently than in the general public. This could lead to depression for the loss of so many friends and neighbors. Surrounding yourself with people who love life is a great way to stay fit emotionally.