Spring Cleaning for the Body and Mind: Six Ways Light Exercise Benefits Seniors

The walking paths around Sunnyside Manor provide plenty of space to enjoy a walk on a spring day.

A fresh start… starts now.

It’s time for spring cleaning! There is nothing like that feeling of fresh air and a fresh clean space. Wouldn’t it be great if you could also “spring clean” your body? Or your mind?

The good news is that you can, and so can your senior loved ones. A light, spring exercise routine can “spring clean” the body and mind, with benefits that range from reducing allergy symptoms to clearing away stress.

It’s Time For A Fresh Start

Spring is the perfect time for seniors to begin (or begin anew) a light exercise routine. It is never too late to benefit from an exercise program. In fact, one study showed that people in their nineties made significant improvements in strength and endurance after a 10 week exercise program. They could walk more, lift more, and balance better. That translates to feeling better and staying more independent, longer.

Light Exercise: Spring Cleaning For The Body And Mind

The physical benefits of exercise are well known, and of special importance to seniors. Here are six ways that light exercise provides a fresh start:

A friendly game of chair kickball helps with focus and mobility.

An exercise program refreshes the body:

Improved digestion. Many seniors face digestive ailments due to medication and age-related changes. Exercise can help reduce symptoms like acid reflux and constipation.
Relief from allergy symptoms. Seasonal allergies can start at any time in life. The sinus congestion that comes with allergies doesn’t just feel unpleasant. It can also interfere with balance and appetite, two significant challenges for many seniors. Light exercise can provide temporary relief from sinus congestion by improving blood flow throughout the body. (Just be mindful of exercising outdoors during allergy season.)
Improved joint health. Light exercise and stretching can help reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis.

An exercise program can “spring clean” the mind, too.

Better mood. Physical activity stimulates the release of neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which improve mood and help to clear away stress and worrisome thoughts.

A spontaneous dance party is a great way to exercise!

Improved memory and clearer thinking. Studies have shown that exercise helps to improve short term memory and cognitive function. Seniors who exercise regularly also show delayed onset of age-related memory loss.
More restful sleep. Regular exercisers report better and more restful sleep. Good sleep is critical to clear thinking, memory and mood. And what better feeling is there than waking up refreshed after a good night of sleep?

Exercise Recommendations for Seniors

Ready to refresh with a light exercise program? Here are some suggestions from the experts:*

Start small! Even for seniors who never exercised regularly, a few minutes of daily exercise brings benefits.
An exercise program for seniors should be varied, and include activities to get the heart rate up, build strength, and improve flexibility and balance. These activities together help seniors feel better and promote independence.
Exercise with friends! Exercising with a group (like our daily classes) is an enjoyable opportunity to socialize, and makes it easier – and fun – to keep the commitment.

Bowling is always a favorite!

When you and your senior loved one are ready to get moving, Sunnyside Manor is the place. We offer daily exercise in each of our three neighborhoods – Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation – specially tailored to each neighborhood’s residents. Plus, our walking trails are the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

*Consult with your physician before starting an exercise program.

Learn More About Why Families Rely On Sunnyside Manor

Sunnyside Manor offers assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Learn more about Sunnyside Manor’s resources for caregivers. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term plan, we are here to help. Begin with our “Getting Started” guide. Times have changed, and so have our admissions protocols. Please call us at 888-696-2052 to speak with a senior living expert.

Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier senior living community. It features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.