This article was contributed by Annie Button
After a retirement or big birthday celebration, you may question how many years you have left of doing certain activities you love. While skydiving or climbing Everest might be off the agenda (although for some, maybe not), living life to the full is a healthy mantra to subscribe to whatever your age.
Famous writer C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.” In the spirit of these inspiring words, this article explores five ways to keep moving and enjoying sport, fun activities, and hobbies that you love for many years to come. While staying physically active is vital, it’s great to remember that you’re never too old to join a gym, try a challenging new hobby, or plan an active trip away.
1. Stay Active for a Healthier Life
Self-care week 2023 is celebrated from the 13th to the 19th of November. The NHS are advocates of “Movement if Medicine”, encouraging physical activity to maintain good health as you age. Your body is designed to move. When activity decreases, our health suffers both physically and mentally.
The good news is that just a few minutes of movement can make a big difference. Start small by taking the stairs, getting off the bus a stop early, doing squats while waiting for the kettle, or marching in place during ad breaks. Any activity is better than none.
Different types of exercise offer varied benefits. Walking offers a sense of community, fresh air, and relaxation. Cycling can safeguard your immune system and benefit your cardio-vascular system. Try varying your exercise routine to strengthen your muscles or practice strengthening activities for better flexibility.
Choosing activities that are sociable can keep you motivated. The main benefits of exercising include:
- Enjoying nature and the outdoors
- Connecting with others
- Released feel-good hormones
- Reducing stress and boosting mood
- Establishing a healthy routine
2. Adapt to Setbacks and Keep Moving
It is unrealistic to believe that getting older is without its hurdles. If you have a setback such as a sudden fall or cycling accident, research all the support you can to overcome a personal injury. If possible, motivate yourself to plan new activities.
No matter your age or abilities, keeping your body moving should be a lifelong priority. Start low and go slow, modifying activities as needed. Inactivity, though, is never the answer.
Resources like We Are Undefeatable provide incredible guidance for older adults and those managing health conditions. They can also support people recovering from physical injuries.
Setbacks happen to all of us, whether it’s an injury, illness, or life transition. With some adaptation, though, you can find ways to keep moving. If it is possible to do so with the right professional and medical support, try to deal with a setback that limits your mobility or endurance.
Focus on exercises you can still do safely. Seated strength training, stretching, and breathing exercises are great options. Break tasks like housework into smaller intervals with rest breaks.
Changing from a previously sedentary lifestyle can be a powerful tool in the fight against many physical and mental conditions. It’s also a great way to socialise and stay connected with your community. While setbacks are temporary, with some creativity and patience, you can adapt your lifestyle to remain active, independent, and healthy for years to come.
3. Be Sociable for Greater Mental Stimulation
As we get older, one of the best ways to stay motivated and keep exercising and stick to your hobbies is to make them sociable. According to Age UK, studies have shown that having social connections and participating in sociable activities can benefit brain health as well as keep you motivated.
For example, having someone encouraging you can motivate you to stick to your fitness goals or show up to that pottery class. Something as simple as cooking a meal for a friend on a weekly basis can keep you focused on something you enjoy. Furthermore, it’s a great way to forge new friendships or cement existing ones.
Various hobbies and activities can help keep your brain stimulated. Here are some popular tips to help older adults stay mentally stimulated:
- Learning a new language – Keeps the mind sharp and provides a sense of accomplishment. Apps and local classes make it accessible.
- Reading books / joining a book club – Reading and discussing literature exercises the brain. Join a book club for social benefits, too.
- Puzzles and games – Crosswords, sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and strategic card games like bridge are engaging mental challenges.
- Get creative with arts and crafts – Stimulates creativity through pursuits like painting, knitting, woodworking, photography, and calligraphy.
- Enjoy music and dance – Learning new instruments, song writing, and moving rhythmically to melodies exercises the mind.
- Participate in adult education – Many local colleges offer enrichment courses in history, science, literature, and more.
- Gardening – Planting and nurturing plants provides intellectual stimulation.
- Travel and new experiences – Visiting new places and planning new adventures abroad at a slower pace creates mental stimulation.
- Memory training – Special brain games and exercises can help strengthen recall and mental acuity.
4. Stay Motivated and Fit for Longer
Exploring new physically engaging hobbies with others also fires up passion for staying fit. If fatigue or lack of motivation is the issue, listen to your body and adjust the duration, intensity, or frequency of activities.
Just five minutes of gentle yoga or marching on the spot is progress.
Gradually build up your stamina and intensity. Use fitness tools like resistance bands, walkers, or pool noodles to make movement easier on your body. Consider chair aerobics, aqua therapy, or swimming for low-impact cardio.
Many community centres offer adaptive exercise classes. Take a dance class, join a recreational sports league, or learn pickleball or lawn bowling. Being part of a team provides both social stimulation and fitness motivation.
Engaging in mentally stimulating hobbies, learning new skills, and staying socially and physically active are great ways for older adults to keep their minds sharp for years to come. Surrounding yourself with positive people who share your interests will make fitness a fun part of life’s journey.
5. Self-Improve and Learn into the Future
If you have joined a club or taken up a new sport or activity you enjoy, always think about improving yourself. There is no age limit on self-improvement, so take any opportunity to get better.
Perhaps you’ll enlist a new tennis coach or join an online fitness community. Having the support and friendship of others facing similar challenges can lift your spirits and motivate you to keep improving.
Joining a walking, cycling, or exercise group in your community is also a great way to meet likeminded friends. No doubt they are also trying to improve.
Sign up to any classes or recruit friends and family to support your quest for improvement. Volunteering for active roles together, like building community gardens, leading museum tours, or helping at charitable walks and runs can make activities more purposeful.
Plus, you’ll be able to give back. Maybe you’ll even give younger members a few lessons in the process.
Live Life to the Full
Staying active and engaged in the things you love for longer periods is key to getting the most out of life as we age. Keep your body moving every day, even if it’s just small steps. Stay sociable and share your fitness goals with friends and family. Keep your mind stimulated by learning, exploring new horizons, and with meaningful pursuits.
While ageing brings changes, maintaining a zest for lifelong growth is the secret to living life to the full. Always remember, you’re never too old to set and reach new goals.
Live Safely
It’s natural to worry about your wellbeing as you age. Sometimes, the fear of accidents can stop you from living your life to the full. This is where a personal alarm can help. With a personal alarm, help is always available at the press of a button.
A personal alarm provides reassurance throughout the home, helping you pursue your fitness goals, safe in the knowledge that support is at hand.
Find out more today by reading our in-depth guide or calling our helpful team on 0800 030 8999.
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