Senior Living Community Exercise Class

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends four types of exercises for seniors: strength, balance, stretching and endurance.

"Like most people, you've probably heard that physical activity and exercise are good for you. In fact, being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Studies have shown that exercise provides many health benefits and that older adults can gain a lot by staying physically active. Even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging". Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults, The National Institute on Aging.

Something that became evident to me today is that most of the residents are very physically active. The building has an outdoor path that many residents take full advantage of. It loops around the building, passing bird feeders and benches, where one can rest if needed. The residents can come and go as they please, and at any point of the day you are bound to find a few residents and caregivers walking around outside or sitting in the sun. In addition to walking around outside and from activity to activity, residents can take exercises classes. I took an exercise class today that consisted of stretching, strength training, and light aerobics. Everyone was laughing and having a good time, and I was sweating by the end of it. Exercise is so much fun here that I don’t think many people need to force themselves to work out, but I bet most of these residents engage in more physical activity than the average American.

Jackie Kerin

Public Policy Associate
703-562-1186
JKerin@ALFA.org

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11/08/2011

Senior Living Community Exercise Class

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