Staying fit and active as you age is one key to supporting the most vibrant lifestyle possible. That’s true for all ages and mobility levels. Whether you’re embarking on the adventure of Independent Living or helping a loved one find luxurious accommodations in a Memory Care community, attending to physical wellness is important. Find out how some basic mobility exercise techniques can make a huge difference in quality of life for yourself or a loved one.

The Benefits of Physical Wellness Exercises
Simple, low-impact exercise techniques such as yoga and tai chi can have profound effects on overall wellness and mobility levels for adults of all ages. Techniques that support mobility, flexibility, balance and relaxation in turn support your overall activity level. Physical wellness exercises can:

• Increase your ability to enjoy the benefits of Independent Living at home or the vibrant lifestyle afforded at every level of care at Montereau
• Foster a more active lifestyle that ensures you’re more social and have a strong network of friends
• Allow you to enjoy experiences you might otherwise balk at, including luxury travel or adventure

These claims are supported by recent research. In fact, studies have demonstrated that regular participation in yoga might counteract some normal aging processes. One study looked at how integrating classical yoga into exercise habits for 12 weeks impacted the body. Researchers noted positive changes in biomarkers associated with aging. Other studies have demonstrated that ongoing yoga practices can lead to positive outcomes for cognitive functions, inflammation and overall mobility.

Beginner Wellness Exercise Tips
It’s typically a good idea to start slowly and work up to more challenging exercises or longer routines. Older adults may also want to discuss exercise options with medical providers, particularly if they’re managing a chronic disease such as diabetes or a heart condition. Find out what’s safe for you, and then embrace it with consistency and an open mind.

Here are a few beginner wellness exercise tips to get you started:

• Exercise with others. Exercising in social groups can increase your motivation and make the entire experience more fun. Walking or doing yoga or tai chi with friends ensures you have accountability partners, making it more likely you’ll be consistent with the practice. Enjoying such activities via wellness programs led by professionals can provide peace of mind that you’re doing the exercises safely and correctly.
• Ensure you have the right clothing and equipment. Dressing for the activity and equipping yourself with the right supplies helps make exercising more enjoyable. Buy clothing that fits well to reduce the chance of tripping or snagging, and look for items that offer stretch for ample range of motion. Luckily, basic wellness techniques and stretching like yoga don’t require much in the way of supplies. At most, you might need to invest in a mat.
• Pay attention to your body. Yes, exercising can lead to some muscle soreness. However, sharp pain or other discomfort while you’re doing yoga or similar exercises aren’t normal. If you experience these types of issues, stop the exercise. You might not have the right form; a yoga instructor or other professional can help with that.
• Drink and eat well. Even these basic mobility exercises draw on energy in your body. A well-balanced diet and ample hydration prepare your body for exercise and for living the lifestyle you want to live.
• Modify moves as needed. Almost all exercise techniques include options for modifying each move. If you don’t have the range of motion or mobility required for the move at hand, ask your instructor how to modify it. If you’re engaging in solo exercise, look for YouTube videos that offer options for modifications. For example, those who are chair bound can still enjoy yoga; numerous chair yoga programs exist that are fun and put the upper body through a good workout.

More Resources for Your Wellness Journey
YouTube is one of the most abundant resources for an older adult on a wellness exercise journey. You’ll find hundreds of videos with exercises you can do right in your garden home or with friends in a group setting. From gentle asanas to start your day to quick tai chi routines you can easily add to your evening, the internet makes it easy to find the exact exercise resources you need.

You can also turn to trusted senior living resources in Tulsa if you want to research more about senior health and wellness or connect with local community events and classes.

At Montereau, we create an active, vibrant community that encourages older adults to enjoy hobbies, social settings and activities. That includes exercising for wellness. To find out more about our community, contact us to schedule a tour.