Senior Exercise Programs at The Orchard Senior Living in Ventura

Regular exercise has many benefits for seniors, including less stress, better moods, more social connections, and improved heart, lung, and brain health. Senior exercise programs in senior living communities can help older adults along, especially in conjunction with good diets and other supportive services.

The CDC says that adults 50 and older need more physical activity, as 28% of the population are physically inactive. While being a couch potato can feel nice in the moment, it has detrimental effects on not only your physical health, but also your mental and emotional well-being.

Luckily, there are ways to do active aging in Ventura, CA, especially if you're at a senior living community like The Orchard. There are numerous senior exercise programs available, all of which can help support mobility, independence, and overall health.

These programs aren't intense, either. Instead, you'll enjoy being active with the fun and interesting choices available.

What Are the Benefits of Senior Exercise?

As you get older, you'll notice that your body isn't what it used to be. Not only is it harder to recover from illnesses and injuries, but you may also have aches and pains. It may feel better to just sit around, but in the long term, it'll have negative effects.

Sure, it's difficult to start an active lifestyle, but here are the main benefits you'll get from mobility programs.

Maintain Strength and Mobility

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sarcopenia (gradual loss of muscle mass) most commonly affects people ages 60 and older. While you can't prevent it, you can certainly slow the progression with exercise.

You'll be steadier on your feet, and things like walking, bending, and lifting will be much easier. Not only does this help you maintain strength and mobility, but it also enhances your balance and coordination. So exercise is one of the best tips for fall prevention in seniors!

Improve Heart and Lung Health

Heart and lung health are also major concerns for older adults, as many are affected by conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, COPD, etc.

The good news is that aerobic exercises (like walking, swimming, or cycling) can strengthen the heart and respiratory system. This is true even if you get moderate movement daily, such as a brisk 20-minute walk around the community every day.

Support Cognitive and Mental Health

Exercise can be good for the brain since it increases blood flow to that area, which supports:

• Memory
• Concentration
• Cognitive function

Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions in later life. Getting out and exercising in pairs or groups can combine mental stimulation with social interaction.

Exercise can also trigger the release of endorphins, which are "feel-good" hormones. As a result, you'll feel less stress, anxiety, and depression. This has numerous benefits, such as higher energy levels, better quality sleep, and a more positive outlook on life.

The Senior Exercise Programs We Offer

Here at The Orchard, we're dedicated to providing our residents with a range of not just exercise classes, but also educational opportunities. We address physical fitness in a holistic fashion.

Examples of exercise programs we have are:

• Tai chi
• Bone builders class
• Bike cardio
• Ping pong

Our programs are always changing to better address older adults' health needs and to keep things interesting and engaging.

Fitness Center and Private Walking Trails

Would you rather do your own workouts? Then that's not a problem.

We have a fitness center available for our residents so they can work out whenever they want to. And if you'd rather be out breathing fresh air, we've also got private walking trails, so you stay safe while getting your steps in.

Healthy Dining

Regular exercise is only one part of healthy living. We make sure that you're as healthy as can be by offering quality dining at our senior living community.

We have chef-prepared homestyle dining, and the meals are made from the freshest ingredients possible. You can indulge in restaurant-style dining that's accompanied by friendly tableside service.

Third-Party Supportive Services

It's important to keep up with fitness for seniors, but sometimes, you need outside help to ensure that you're in the best shape possible. This is why we have third-party supportive services available, such as:

• Personalized home health
• On-site therapies
• Visiting therapies
• Visiting podiatrist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Number One Exercise You Should Do as You Get Older?

The number one exercise you should do as you get older is walking. This is a low-impact activity that's easily adaptable to different fitness levels. Plus, you don't need any special equipment.

Walking has the following benefits:

• Supports cardiovascular health
• Strengthens leg and core muscles
• Improves balance
• Boosts mood

You can always do walking as a solo activity, whether it's outdoor strolls or inside walking plans. Or you can get together with friends and do group walking challenges or mindful nature walks.

What Exercise Should a 70-Year-Old Do Every Day?

For a 70-year-old who's living in an independent living community, the exercise they should do for wellness in retirement should include the four key types:

1. Aerobic
2. Strength
3. Balance
4. Flexibility

With a balanced approach, you'll ensure that all aspects of health and mobility are supported.

Here's an example of a safe and effective daily plan:

• Brisk walking
• Simple resistance band exercises
• Heel-to-toe walking
• Chair yoga

What Is the 5-4-3-2-1 Workout Method?

The 5-4-3-2-1 workout method is a simple, time-efficient routine, and you can easily adapt it for seniors. Basically, it's five rounds of exercises that decrease in number as intensity increases. What's great about this plan is that you can improve your overall fitness without needing special equipment.

A senior-friendly version may look like this:

• 5 minutes of light cardio
• 4 minutes of strength work
• 3 minutes of core exercises
• 2 minutes of balance practice
• 1 minute of deep stretching or breathing

Stay Fit With Senior Exercise Programs

You deserve to have the best golden years possible, and that starts with being proactive about physical activity. If you're having trouble starting on your own, then senior living communities are here to help. Our senior exercise programs have numerous benefits that encompass not only physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being.

To hear more about senior living in Ventura, CA, contact us now. The Orchard is a recently renovated senior living community with all-inclusive amenities.