Senior Exercise & Wellness Activities Around Teesside | Home Instead
Keeping fit and healthy in your golden years can be a challenge but there are plenty of wellness and exercise activities for seniors around Teesside.
Staying Active with Exercise
Staying active and adopting an active lifestyle is important for ageing well. Regular physical activity can help older adults stay independent and productive, stay physically strong and flexible, manage health conditions such as arthritis, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease, and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Daily light exercise benefits elderly people by helping keep their joints supple and improves balance, coordination, posture and strength. Many seniors find that the sense of accomplishment they get from successfully completing an exercise regime makes them feel better about themselves on a mental level. Outdoor activities such as walking or gardening are great ways to stay active while enjoying nature’s beauty. For example, when performing a wall push-up, seniors should lean forward slightly while maintaining a stable stance to effectively engage the upper body and improve strength. Joining group classes also helps build social connections – both of which can positively contribute to overall well-being in old age.
No matter what your age, stay active to stay healthy! Making physical activity a part of your daily routine can help you stay fit and live well.
The key to successful ageing is planning for it in advance. Take the time now to think about how you want to stay healthy and active in old age so that when the time comes, you’ll be prepared for whatever life throws at you. As always, speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about starting an exercise program. Good luck on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle!
Here are some local groups or centres which could help you stay healthy.
Stay healthy and stay active!
Benefits of Exercise for Seniors
Regular exercise is a cornerstone of maintaining both physical and mental health for seniors. Engaging in consistent physical activity can significantly improve balance, reducing the risk of falls, and help increase muscle mass, which is crucial for maintaining strength and independence. Beyond the physical perks, exercise offers substantial mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, which in turn enhances overall mental wellbeing.
The health benefits of exercise for seniors are numerous:
- Improving cardiovascular health: Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
- Increasing strength and flexibility: Exercises like tai chi and yoga can enhance muscle strength and joint flexibility.
- Reducing joint pain and improving mobility: Gentle movements help keep joints supple and reduce discomfort.
- Improving balance and reducing the risk of falls: Balance exercises can help seniors stay steady on their feet.
- Enhancing mental health and wellbeing: Physical activity releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.
By incorporating regular exercise into their routine, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life and maintain their independence for longer.
Getting Started with Exercise
Embarking on a new exercise regimen can feel daunting, but starting slowly and building up gradually is key. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:
- Consult with a healthcare provider: Before beginning any new exercise program, it’s important to discuss your plans with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe for you.
- Start with short sessions: Begin with manageable sessions of 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
- Choose low-impact exercises: Activities like tai chi and yoga are gentle on the joints and can be very effective.
- Focus on balance and strength: Incorporate exercises such as knee lifts and squats to improve balance and build strength.
- Consider professional guidance: Working with a personal trainer or fitness coach who specializes in senior fitness can provide personalized support and motivation.
Remember, the goal is to make physical activity a regular part of your life, so find exercises that you enjoy and that fit your lifestyle.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Safety is paramount when starting an exercise program, especially for seniors. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Consult with a healthcare provider: Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
- Warm up properly: Begin with light cardio and stretching to prepare your body for exercise.
- Start slowly: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to avoid overexertion.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel and rest when needed to prevent injury.
- Avoid extreme conditions: Exercise indoors during extreme temperatures or adverse weather conditions.
- Exercise with a partner: Having a workout buddy can enhance safety and provide additional motivation.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy the health benefits of exercise while minimizing the risk of injury.
Stockton Walking Group – facilitated by Teesside Dementia Link Services
Balance exercises are essential for seniors to maintain stability and prevent falls. These exercises often involve standing on one foot, which helps improve overall balance. In balance exercises, such as standing on one foot, seniors can improve stability by leveraging their left foot.
Meeting every Wednesday in the beautiful Ropner Park (please see our Places For Outdoor Walks In Teesside – North of the Tees | Home Instead Cleveland ) The Stockton Walking Group sets off for a steady 1-mile walk around a fully accessible route. Starting at 1 pm and finishing at approximately 3 pm with a little stop off at the café for refreshments to end a lovely afternoon stroll.
The group meet in all weathers come rain or shine.
Head over to Teesside Dementia Link Services Facebook page for more events and activities on offer.
Dementia Supportive Swimming Session – Facilitated by Teesside Dementia Link Services
Why not join the Teesside Dementia Link Services for a dementia supportive swim session at the new Ingleby Barwick Leisure centre . Running every Tuesday 2:30pm till 3:30pm this short but sweet swim session will help enhance the swimming experience of those living with dementia and their carers by improving facilities and removing barriers.
Intergenerational Yoga – facilitated by Kalma Life
Intergenerational yoga is a unique and heartwarming approach that brings together people of all ages and abilities. This innovative practice not only improves physical health but also fosters social connections and community spirit. Kalma Life offers intergenerational yoga classes designed specifically for seniors and their families, focusing on gentle, low-impact movements that enhance balance, strength, and flexibility.
These classes are a wonderful way to improve mental health, as they promote relaxation and reduce stress. The social aspect of practising yoga with family members and people of different generations can also boost mental well-being and create a sense of belonging. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, intergenerational yoga offers a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
Encouraging those to live well and positively with dementia through promoting a healthy mind, body and spirit can improve memory and cognition, communication and mental health.
The classes are provided by KALMA LIFE every Wednesday from 10 am during term time. If you would like to attend please call or send a text message to 07798625564.
Tees Active and Its Health Benefits
Tees Active are the largest leisure facilitator on Teesside and has a number of centres across the area including Billingham Forum, Ingleby Barwick Leisure Centre, Splash Stockton, and Thornaby Pool.
Tees Active lead the way in promoting living a healthy and long life with the project Club 55, a fun social programme which aims to introduce older people who are not as active, into the leisure environment. The promotion of increasing activity levels and improving fitness is not only for physical but also for mental health.
The project was in partnership with external services/organisations such as MIND, Age UK and Thirteen Housing and from that project, the learned lessons have resulted in activities continuing to be on offer at Thornaby Pavilion.
Keep Moving Teesside – Chair-Based Yoga and Exercise to Improve Balance - Amala Teesside
Amala Teesside is offering Chair Yoga and Exercise classes in Ingleby Barwick, Norton and Nunthorpe which are £5.00 a session.
Try something a little different without working up too much of a sweat with a combination of mindfulness meditation, to help you rewind and relax, chair-based yoga helps get those joints moving a little more and for those a little more confident you can join in the yoga free standing.
All abilities are welcome and the class will help improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Sometimes the use of equipment like exercise bands or balls are used in class to aid with some of the stretches which help improve flexibility and the build strength.
Classes are very social and fun. Why not give a class a try? See their testimonials for more information.
Interested in getting active? Check out how our Companion Care could help!
Exercise and Mental Health
The impact of exercise on mental health is profound, offering numerous benefits that can enhance overall wellbeing. Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Here are some ways exercise can improve mental health:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
- Improves mood: Regular exercise can lead to a more positive outlook and increased happiness.
- Boosts self-esteem and confidence: Achieving fitness goals can enhance your sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
- Enhances cognitive function and memory: Exercise stimulates brain function, improving memory and cognitive abilities.
- Promotes better sleep quality: Physical activity can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to more restful nights.
Certain exercises are particularly beneficial for mental health:
- Yoga and tai chi: These practices are excellent for reducing stress and improving mood through mindful movements and breathing techniques.
- Walking and aerobic exercises: These activities can elevate your mood and reduce anxiety.
- Strength training exercises: Building muscle can improve self-esteem and confidence.
- Balance exercises: Activities that improve balance can also enhance cognitive function and memory.
Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can lead to significant improvements in mental health, helping you feel better both physically and emotionally.
