Swimming can be such a great way to move the body and keep active and fit.
Swimming is an incredible form of exercise that many seniors enjoy year-round. Whether it be indoor swim sessions, water-aerobics classes, or outdoor fun in the sun, swimming is an accessible way for seniors to get their bodies moving and keep active.
With the many physical changes that come with growing older, many seniors begin to find it more challenging to engage in all the same forms of exercise or activity that they may have enjoyed when they were younger, but water exercise remains manageable and enjoyable for many seniors, even as they adapt to their changing bodies.
There are many reasons that swimming is great for seniors, the following is a list of a few:
- Low Impact = Less Pain: The buoyancy involved in exercising in water puts less strain and impact on the joints and can therefore provide a great opportunity for movement without pain.
- Stronger Muscles: Movement in water involves natural resistance that makes it a strength training activity. Faster movement creates greater resistance and, therefore, more muscle work. Through swimming, water aerobics, and other water sports seniors can grow stronger without having to use things like weights and can take it at their own pace.
- Bone Health: Training the body in ways that increase strength can help to keep bones strong and maintain healthy bone density. This can help to reduce the risks and progression of conditions like Osteoporosis.
- More Flexibility: The lower-impact nature of moving around in the water can allow seniors an opportunity to use and extend their joints in ways that can help to cultivate better flexibility. Being more flexible can help seniors to feel better overall, as well as to prevent falls and injury more easily.
- Heart Health: Swimming is an aerobic activity and a form of cardio exercise. Getting the heart-rate up while swimming helps the heart to become stronger and better at its job.
- Cognitive Exercise: Along with the physical movement, swimming also exercises the brain and can be a mental work-out for seniors.
- Socialization: Swimming is an activity that can easily and enjoyably be done with other people, so seniors can enjoy the company of others while also exercising their bodies. Making a point to get together with friends, family members, and groups to go swimming can help get seniors out of the house and engaging with others in a meaningful way.
Swimming can be a fun activity for seniors that also helps to keep them healthy and fit.