Incorporating physical activity into a daily schedule can be challenging at any stage of life, but it’s especially important for seniors to make the time to stay fit. In a senior living community, there should be plenty of opportunities for residents to remain active. Longhorn Village, a retirement community in Austin, TX, offers countless activities to help its members stay healthy and energized.

Below, they explain why this is so important:

• Maintain Wellness: One reason fitness is so important is because it can help you maintain overall wellness as you age. Regular exercise is linked with countless health benefits, including lowered risk for cardiovascular issues, certain forms of cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Staying active can also help maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Reduce Negative Effects of the Aging Process: The aging process brings a certain set of challenges, like shortening muscles and decreased bone density. While these conditions are natural and thus impossible to avoid completely, regular exercise can help combat their effects. For instance, even light stretching routines can help to lengthen muscles. Activities as simple as walking can facilitate improved strength and mobility.
• Improve Your Mood: Staying active can have mind- and mood-boosting benefits, too. A study showed seniors are better able to avoid cognitive decline and reduction in motor skills when they stay physically active. Moreover, further research shows a link between depression scores and activity levels in seniors. The findings demonstrate higher activity levels can help combat depression in individuals from 60 to 96 years of age.  
• Enjoy Yourself: While any level of activity is beneficial for seniors, part of the enjoyment of staying fit comes from being able to do what you enjoy most. For this reason, it’s important to seek out a senior living community in which you or your loved one will have the opportunity to partake in their favorite sports or activities. Having a broad range of choices might even allow seniors to find a new passion to help keep them healthy in their golden years.

From nature walks to yoga and Zumba®, Longhorn Village has activities for everyone to enjoy. Their dedicated team believes wellness helps to keep you moving and learning every day, which is why they offer dozens of daily options for staying active. To learn more about their wellness options, visit the senior living community online. You can also call (512) 266-5600 to speak directly with a knowledgeable representative today.