Exercise is important for Floridians of any age, but finding the right balance can be tricky. Some sources say 30 minutes of exercise daily is enough, while others suggest an hour or more. But what about older adults—those who may face health concerns that directly limit their ability to stay active? The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The right amount of exercise each day depends on a person’s health, mobility, and personal goals. In fact, pursuing as much exercise as possible is not always the best idea for many seniors. However, the fact remains that an active, healthy life produces the best results.
How Much Exercise Do Florida Seniors Actually Need?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has direct recommendations for older adults, telling them to aim for roughly an average of 25 minutes of exercise per day every single week. This could be something as simple as brisk walking, swimming, or riding a stationary bike. They also recommend strength exercises at least twice a week and note that vigorous exercises, such as high-intensity aerobics, can be used instead of lower-intensity activities. You can see some of their example schedules for exercise here, but always create a plan unique to your circumstances that makes meeting your goals as simple as possible.
So, how does the CDC come to its conclusions? Seniors might have unique health concerns, but their bodies aren’t fundamentally different—every human benefits from exercise, including seniors.
Participating in too little exercise potentially leads to muscle loss, poor balance, and an increased risk of falls. Plus, staying inactive for long periods may contribute to heart disease and other chronic conditions. If you have previous health issues, like joint pain, a sedentary lifestyle might be attractive, but it won’t make the problem any better. Finding ways to improve joint health through low-intensity exercise is almost always better than forgoing exercise entirely.
On the other hand, doing too much can also be harmful. Overexertion is a serious concern, and the Florida heat doesn’t make it any easier for seniors to exercise outside for long. The goal is to find an enjoyable and sustainable routine that achieves your exercise goals without jeopardizing your health in the short or long term.
Even though exercise is excellent for nearly all seniors, that doesn’t mean you should jump into it without planning. Talk to your physician and hear what they have to say about introducing new exercise routines into your daily schedule. You might be surprised to learn that some health conditions make the riskiness of certain exercises much higher. Follow their recommendations and stay safe! Exercise should leave you feeling energized and stronger, not exhausted or in pain.
Senior Fitness in Assisted Living
You might not realize it at first glance, but one of the most significant benefits of assisted living communities is that they make it easier for seniors to stay active without worrying about overexertion or inactivity. Not only does living at an assisted living facility assist with tons of daily chores that free up time for seniors to get more active, but it also provides a supportive environment day in and day out. Seniors at assisted living facilities may benefit from:
- Group activity classes to help seniors stay healthy and engaged in the local community.
- Walking clubs on outdoor trails to keep moving and help Florida residents experience nature in a safe environment.
- Social and recreational activities like dancing don’t feel like exercise but still help seniors reach their weekly exercise goals.
A Banyan Residence is proud of our support to residents to help them become healthier and stay active in retirement. If you want to learn more about our facility and how we can help, call our facility today and schedule a tour.
