Staying physically active during the winter months is just as important as in warmer weather. Regular exercise helps improve mobility, balance, and mood while reducing the risk of falls and chronic conditions. Check out these practical tips for staying active in any season.
Why Staying Active is Important for Seniors
As we age, we naturally lose a bit of flexibility, strength, and balance. Regular exercise counteracts this, helping to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of conditions like arthritis and diabetes. Staying active also boosts mental health.
Tips for Staying Active all Winter
- Dress Comfortably: When exercising outdoors, it’s essential to wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing that helps keep you dry and regulates body temperature.
- Be Mindful of Outdoor Surfaces: When you’re heading outdoors for a walk, make sure to wear shoes with good traction to prevent slipping.
- Stay Hydrated: Even when it’s cooler outside, staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activities.
- Choose Low-Impact Activities: Winter is perfect for low-impact exercises that are gentle on the joints, such as walking, swimming, or using an elliptical machine. These exercises help improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness without straining your joints.
- Take Advantage of Indoor Exercises: On days when the weather keeps you indoors, you can still get a great workout. Consider activities like indoor walking, chair yoga or strength training.
Always Active at Moosehaven
At Moosehaven, our seniors have access to a wide range of activities to stay active and engaged all year long. The community offers options for different fitness levels and preferences, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy including:
- Group Exercise Classes: Moosehaven offers group classes, which are a fun way to improve coordination, increase cardiovascular health, and boost overall energy levels. For those who prefer a gentler form of exercise, chair exercises are available, designed to improve flexibility and strength while being easy on the joints.
- Social Sports: For a bit of friendly competition, Moosehaven hosts weekly games of corn hole, shuffleboard, and darts. These activities not only provide a chance to socialize but also help improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and balance.
- Golf Outings: For those who enjoy golf, Moosehaven organizes monthly outings at the Bent Creek Golf Course. These outings offer a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and promote walking, flexibility, and coordination.
- Bingo: And for those who love a good game, Moosehaven also offers bingo daily! Playing bingo is not only fun but can also be a social activity that keeps your mind sharp and your spirits high. Whether you’re playing with friends or meeting new ones, it’s a great way to stay engaged and active.
One of the most exciting developments at Moosehaven is the AAA Project, a $10 million expansion of the Moosehaven campus, which features a new Sports and Recreation Center. Once completed, the new center will feature state-of-the-art amenities including an indoor heated swimming pool, showers, gym/fitness center, multi-purpose room for group dance and exercise classes, bowling alley, electronic darts, billiards, indoor shuffleboard, golf simulator, poker room, game room with retro pinball machines, a centrally located beverage bar, and an outdoor patio with seating area, flower gardens, and a fire pit.
Year-Round Benefits
Staying active during the winter months is essential for maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of community. By incorporating low-impact exercises, dressing appropriately, and staying hydrated, seniors can enjoy the benefits of movement all year round. At Moosehaven, staying active is more than just a goal — it’s a way of life, supported by a wide range of activities, programs, and exciting new facilities on the horizon. If you embrace the season with purpose and take advantage of opportunities to move, connect, and thrive, you’ll experience the many benefits of staying active year-round.