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National Senior Health and Fitness Day
Did you know that May 26 is National Senior Health and Fitness Day? During this day, local organizations and communities organize health and fitness events for seniors.
National Senior Health & Fitness Day® is the largest older adult health and wellness event in the country. This event aims to promote the importance of regular physical activity and show what local organizations are doing to improve the health of older adults in their communities.
Some of the activities held during this event are:
- Mini-health fairs
- Exercise demonstrations
- Health presentations
- Screening
- Fitness walks
If you are interested in joining this event, check with some of these groups if they are hosting this year:
- Retirement community
- Park and recreation districts
- Ys and health clubs
- Senior centers
- Area agencies on aging
- Hospitals and health systems
- Health insurance plans
- Health care providers and many more
The Importance of Physical Activity
We all know how important exercise is. According to the National Institute of Aging, physical activity is a vital part of healthy aging. Frequent visits to the doctor, hospitalizations, and taking more medicines due to illnesses are often due to inactivity.
Following a regular exercise routine can help you:
- Keep and improve your strength and balance
- Have more energy to do things
- Enjoy a better sleep
- Reduce stress or anxiety levels
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control your blood pressure
- Improve your mood and reduce feelings of depression
- Manage and prevent some diseases
If you haven’t started an exercise routine yet, now is the time to try it out. It is never too late to start an exercise routine. Remember to take it easy as you develop more strength and endurance along the way.
Some Exercises You Can Do
So, are you now thinking about exercising but not sure how to start? Here are some exercise ideas you can try.
- Walking
According to several studies, adults need at least 10,000 steps per day to stay healthy. Walking is the easiest but very effective type of physical activity you can do. Walk for an hour every day and see how it improves your overall well-being. - Cycling or Dancing
These activities will help improve your endurance as it gets your heart pumping and increases your breathing. Cycling and dancing are also fun exercises you can enjoy alone or with friends. - Yoga or Tai Chi
Want a more relaxing and meditative type of exercise? Try Yoga or Tai Chi. These exercises offer movement, relaxation, and meditation. They are not only good for your physical well-being but also for your emotional well-being. - Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact full-body workout that also improves your breathing, a type of exercise that kids and adults both enjoy. - Other Activities
There are many other physical activities that you can enjoy that can give you the movement you need to keep a healthy lifestyle. Some of them are gardening, playing sports, playing with your grandchildren, or something else.
There are a lot of other exercises or physical activities that you can try. What’s important is that you enjoy the activity and you can make a commitment to do it regularly. Seek help from professionals when doing complex exercises or playing sports. A proper form will not only prevent injuries but also make your exercise more effective.
Medicare Advantage and Gym Membership
A gym membership can help you stay active. While Original Medicare does not cover gym membership or fitness programs, other Medicare plan options may cover it.
Some Medicare Advantage plans, other Medicare health plans, or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans may cover access to gym memberships and other fitness benefits.
If you have one of these, call your plan to see if it covers gym memberships or fitness programs.
