Staying Active as You Age: Simple Ways to Support Your Health
Staying physically active is one of the most important things older adults can do to maintain their health and independence. Daily movement—even light activity—can improve overall well-being and significantly reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and stroke.
Before starting any new exercise routine, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor—especially if you haven’t been active for a while or have any medical conditions. Ensuring that the type and intensity of activity is right for your needs will help you stay safe and get the most benefit from your efforts.
If you've had a fall or are worried about falling, you're not alone—and there are things you can do. Exercises that focus on strength, balance, and flexibility can help you feel more stable and confident on your feet.
Here are a few simple goals to aim for to stay as healthy and active as possible:
Move every day. Even light physical activity, like walking or gentle stretching, can make a difference.
Build strength and balance. Try to include exercises that improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance at least two days a week.
Increase your activity level. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity if you're already active. You can also combine both.
Sit less, move more. Reduce long periods of sitting or lying down by taking short movement breaks throughout the day.
Remember, staying active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or running marathons—it’s about finding ways to move that work for you and your lifestyle.
Getting Started with Green Acres Foundation Activities
At Green Acres Foundation, we offer a wide variety of fun and accessible group activities designed to keep you active, engaged, and connected. Some of our popular options include:
Chair Yoga
Zumba
Tai Chi
Balloon Badminton
Bean Bag Toss
These sessions are thoughtfully tailored for older adults and represent just a few of the many opportunities available at Green Acres Foundation. Chair yoga, Zumba, and Tai Chi are especially effective for getting your blood flowing, building strength, and enhancing overall well-being. While they might seem a little intimidating at first, don’t worry—each session is gentle, adaptable, and suitable for all fitness levels.
If you're on the creative side, you might enjoy programs like painting or crafting. While they may seem more relaxing, these activities still offer light movement and can help improve coordination and hand strength.
Whether you're looking to improve flexibility, boost balance, build strength, or simply have fun and socialize, there’s something here for everyone. Participating regularly not only supports physical health but also contributes to mental and emotional well-being—and it’s never too late to start.
And if none of these options quite suit your interests, that’s okay! Just connect with your activity coordinator—they’re always happy to collaborate and explore new ideas that better fit your preferences and goals.
When these group activities aren’t available, you can still stay active at home. Here is a helpful website with easy, step-by-step home exercises designed for older adults:
https://www.lifeline.ca/en/resources/14-exercises-for-seniors-to-improve-strength-and-balance/
Staying active is one of the most powerful ways to support your independence, energy, and quality of life as you age. Whether you prefer group sessions at Green Acres Foundation, creative hobbies, or simple at-home exercises, every bit of movement makes a difference. The key is to find what you enjoy and make it part of your routine.
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone—your community, activity coordinators, and even online resources are here to help you stay motivated and on track. So take that first step, explore your options, and keep moving toward a healthier, happier you.
You’re never too old to start feeling your best.
Reference:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/