Elderly Health

There’s life in the old dog yet…

It may be true that you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but what’s to stop you from reminding them of their old one’s? Keeping active is essential no matter what your age, your golden year proving no exception!

With joints stiffening and fatigue setting in, it may be hard to imagine doing any more exercise than climbing the stairs. Still, gentle exercise hosts a large number of benefits for the elderly.

Retirement is the perfect opportunity for you to dedicate a little time to keep yourself fit and healthy. But what is classed as a suitable exercise for senior citizens?

Fancy a quick game?

Outdoor activities such as Bowls are extremely popular with the elderly. Bowls is a sport in which the aim is to roll asymmetric balls called ‘bowls’ nearest to a target (a smaller ball rolled previous to the other balls to set a target for competitors). The competitor who moves their bowl nearest to the target is named the winner. Bowls is extremely popular with the older generation as it is relaxing, thought-provoking and provides an ideal setting for meeting and socialising with new people. Bowls can also be played at a national level, with the opportunity to enter competitions and join leagues (see www.bowlsengland.com for more information).

How about a walk in the park?

Activities such as long-distance walking are an excellent way of keeping in shape, with very minimal stress. Walking is a perfect form of cardiovascular exercise and can be a delightful way to pass the time. There are also organised walking associations where you can join a group of people interested in long-distance and travel with them to different walking hotspots. These associations aim to; “promote the health and environmental benefits of walking to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities encouraging them to take more regular walking trips to improve their fitness and in the fight against obesity” (see www.walkingandhiking.co.uk/theramblersassociation.html for further details).

Alternatively, why not try awakening an old hobby?

Gardening is a relaxing, stress-free way of keeping both active and healthy (usually with a rather satisfying result). So why not improve your garden’s health whilst you tackle your own?

Want to knock a bit of life into your brain cells too?

Why not tackle a crossword to wake up your brain? For seniors, solving crossword puzzles can fortify memory and ability to focus, according to studies. Crosswords are also an excellent way to boost vocabulary and learn a few things you didn’t know already.