Summer workout ideas for older adults: 5 ways to stay active as temperatures soar

This article was posted on Priority Health’s Think Health blog. Read more here.

Getting regular exercise is one of the most important things older adults can do to stay healthy. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week to support heart health, improve balance, improve sleep, keep memory sharp and enhance mood, among other health benefits. But as the summer temperatures rise, it can be tempting to shorten or skip exercising all together. Here are five ways to beat the heat and stay active this summer when the air quality is good and the weather is nice:

Get out early in the morning.

Avoid the peak heat of the day by getting outside earlier in the morning. You’ll stay cooler, avoid dehydration and will get the benefits of the sunshine while the UV index is lower.

Hit the trails.

With more than 5,000 miles of hiking trails in Michigan alone, there are plenty of options to find a shady walk in the woods near you. Rails trails are often paved, making them an excellent alternative if you prefer a smoother path.

Exercise indoors.

There are multiple ways to exercise indoors from joining a gym or community pool to walking laps around your local mall.

Try a YouTube video.

YouTube is a great resource for free exercise videos you can follow from the comfort of your own living room. You can search for anything from yoga to weightlifting to stretching to aerobics and even search for videos geared specifically for older adults.

Get your steps while getting some culture.

Exercise doesn’t have to be hard work. You’ll get plenty of walking in while wandering an art museum, farmer’s market, summer festival or a stroll on the lakeshore.

Don’t forget the mental exercise.

Just like strengthening your body with exercise, your brain can be strengthened with mental exercise. Mental exercise is a term for anything that engages your brain. When done on a regular basis, these activities help you think faster, focus better and remember more, improving the cognitive skills that are vital to maintaining safety and independence as you age.

Some examples include:

• Puzzles
• Crafts
• Gardening
• Knitting
• Video games

Don’t let the summer heat slow you down. Follow these tips or talk with your health care provider if you have any specific concerns, to stay active and healthy all summer long.

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