Anna Hinen
Being physically active is important for your health, and leading a more sedentary life can negatively impact your health. As we age, it can become more difficult to be active but it is not less important. In the United States, less than a quarter of adults over the age of 65 meet federally recommended physical activity guidelines (2021 Senior Report, America’s Health Rankings).
Getting a healthy amount of physical exercise may seem impossible due to a new diagnosis or energy levels or maybe you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, there are many options for older adults looking to increase their activity and improve their health.
A few ways to get exercise:
Aging & In-Home Services also offers an exercise program for older adults called Enhance Fitness. These one-hour, low impact sessions include:
Light strength training
Flexibility and balance training
Aerobic and cardio exercise
If you are interested in learning more about Enhance Fitness or if you would like to attend a session, Just Call Us at 260-469-3036.
Staying socially active is just as important to your overall health as physical exercise. Adults over the age of 50 who have regular social interaction have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke (CDC). Looking for a way to get out and meet new people? Here are a few ideas.
A few ways to get out of the house and socialize:
While these resources are specific to Allen County, similar resources can be found throughout northeast Indiana. Consider reaching out to Aging & In-Home Services or your local Council on Aging for suggestions about getting active physically and socially.
Making a change can be nerve wracking, but experts say habits form within 21 days. Start slow, maybe add an evening walk to your routine or volunteer at a local animal shelter. AIHS is here for you if you don’t know where to start – we are your community connection and can provide information and resources to you. Our goal is to keep you healthy, happy and at home for as long as safely possible. Just Call Us if you or someone you know is in need of assistance!
