Spring into Fitness: How Retirement Home Activities Lead to Health and Happiness

As the sayings go: March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb. April showers bring May flowers. These sentiments could not be truer with the type of seasons we have experienced in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania this year. The fact is blooming flowers and sunshine skies are soon upon us, which also means it is a great time for seniors to dust off those sneakers and embrace the many retirement home activities that lead to an active and social lifestyle.

Staying physically and socially engaged results in positive overall health, improved mobility and increased mental well-being. Additionally, research shows that regular exercise can lead to more independence in completing activities of daily living and lowers the risk for chronic health problems, including dementia, heart disease and stroke. According to a major study from the National Institutes of Health, walking and other low-intensity exercises lowers mortality risks from all causes.

“Staying active not only strengthens the body, but it also lifts the spirt,” describes Renee Harlow, fitness director at Ecumenical Retirement Community. “Success means different things for different residents. For example, I had a resident surprise their physician by successfully doing multiple sit-to-stands after a few months of daily exercise. The pride on this resident’s face was the best part! She is an example of how just few minutes a day of physical activity can make a big difference.”

This pride and self confidence that come from regular activity is a result of a combination of aerobic, strength training and stretching exercises. These low-impact fitness programs are retirement home activities that are practical and safe for older adults and can be adapted to meet the physical abilities of each individual.

Consider trying some of these workout options so you can step confidently into spring:

• Yoga — Seated or standing options for yoga poses increase flexibility, build strength and establish mindfulness.
• Strength training — The goal isn’t to “bulk up,” it is to get strong. Through bodyweight exercises such as wall pushups or sit-to-stands from a chair, stability and balance are improving with each rep.
• Walking — As described in an AARP article on walking benefits, “more is more for older adults.” The recommendation is to get in between 8,000-12,000 steps a day.
• Gardening — This is a great way to stay active while also enjoying nature. Digging in the dirt, bending over the flower beds and lifting the plants or vegetables to be planted make the gardener use muscles that ultimately build strength. The fresh air is also an important perk!
• Join a community fitness program — Fitness is more fun when you are doing it with others. Look into programs such as SilverSneakers or other classes that are offered at community and senior centers in your area. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has health and wellness resources.

“The key is to start slow and remember that every movement counts” added Renee. “Fitness can be fun! Before residents know it, they can be crushing the goals they may not have thought they were capable of.”

Retirement Home Activities in Harrisburg, Pa.

At Ecumenical Retirement Community, we put the “well” in wellness. Between our fitness programming that keeps residents focused, to the delicious and nutritious meals prepared by our chefs on campus and the Dynamic Living programs that bring our residents together, life is full and active on our campus. Learn more about life at Ecumenical.