As we get older, it’s more critical than ever to remain active and participate in life. Florida can be too hot to truly enjoy during the summer months – but now that fall is in full swing, seniors have the opportunity to get back outside to enjoy the sunshine and cooler weather. Here in The Villages, active seniors find a fulfilling and vibrant life around many peers. If you are a senior citizen in this area this fall, we encourage you to take in the scenic surroundings and indulge in some beneficial outdoor activities.

Remember, anyone beginning a new exercise routine should consult with their physician to ensure their health and safety.

best senior residence near me

Did you know that being outside in the sun can strengthen your immune system and contribute to overall vitality? Here are the top five outdoor activities recommended for active seniors to maintain health and wellness.

  1. Walking: Walking is the most popular exercise for older adults for a good reason – it provides a low-impact activity that is possible almost anywhere and with no necessary equipment (except good shoes!) Whether on the grounds of an assisted living facility or taking advantage of the walking trails around The Villages neighborhoods, parks, and preserves, walking is beneficial for supporting the mobility of the joints, increasing cardiovascular health, and minimizing the potential of chronic illnesses that can plague senior citizens.
  2. Golf: If you like to add a little skill and competition to your daily walk, golfing is one of our favorite outdoor activities. In fact, golf is a favorite pastime for many seniors in Florida, as the Sunshine State boasts hundreds of the best golf courses in America. Many seniors were originally drawn to the area to take advantage of the executive and championship courses that offer opportunities for players at any skill level. Golf can improve hand-to-eye coordination, fortify balance and flexibility, as well as offer an enjoyable way for seniors to engage with peers, friends, and family.
  3. Biking: The key to exercise over 65 is low-impact, and biking is another exercise that provides a safe way to get cardiovascular exercise. The Villages has created many miles of bike paths and trails that wind through the beautiful natural areas, providing a scenic and relaxing ride. Biking is great for improving cardiovascular health, building muscle strength, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
  4. Swimming: Swimming is a fantastic activity for seniors. Not only is it the ideal way to stay cool on any remaining hot days, but it is low impact, low stress, and very easy on the body – especially joints which can become damaged with strenuous exercise.  The Villages offers several community swimming pools if your assisted living facility does not offer one. From a health perspective, swimming is an excellent option for seniors living with arthritis or other joint inflammation issues and can also provide a cardiovascular workout – improving strength, endurance, and lung capacity and function.
  5. Gardening: For seniors who are looking for outdoor activities of a different sort, gardening may be an ideal outlet. Gardening is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, get out in nature, and remain active without placing too much stress on the body. Hand strength, agility, flexibility, and dexterity are all potential benefits of this pastime, and fresh flowers, herbs, and vegetables are an added bonus! (If you live in a small place without a yard, consider container gardening! Learn more here.)

At A Banyan Residence, we are committed to creating fulfilling lifestyles for our residents. We offer a full calendar of social events, outdoor activities, and fun excursions to ensure that seniors can live as active a lifestyle as they choose. To learn more, call us today for a tour!