Staying active after 65 is not only important for your overall health, but also for your sense of well-being and quality of life.

Benefits to staying active include strength and balance improvement, better frame of mind and feelings, lowered risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  Exercise wards off certain types of cancer and enhances your ability to learn, think and make decisions.

Seniors are searching for new ways to stay healthy for their mind, body, and soul. Getting older used to mean inevitable physical weakness and mental decline. Research has proven that people can stay healthy and get physically and mentally stronger as they age.

Here are some ideas:
  • Take time for your hobbies.  Do you enjoy reading, painting or drawing? Crossword or word search puzzles? What about playing cards with family or friends? Do you enjoy going to a museum, the theatre or to a movie?
  •   Would you like to learn to play golf? Do you enjoy swimming, walking, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing? Take time to check which sports are available in your area.
  • Socialize. Stay in touch with family and friends. Take time to meet a good friend for coffee or lunch. 
  • Walk with a friend (or your dog), or join a walking club. Try Nordic walking. What about purchasing an electric bike or fat bike to enjoy cycling with your partner/friend?

Exercising your mind and body boosts your health which will allow you to live independently longer.  Experts recommend exercising at least 150 minutes weekly. It is best to focus on exercises that improve your flexibility, strength and balance.

Several easy exercises you can do at home include: knee lifts, wall push-ups, toe taps, heel raises and stretching. Single-leg balancing and shifting body weight also improve balance. Join an on-line or live yoga class.

  •  Volunteering fills the heart.  If you enjoy the company of older seniors, volunteer to bring them to a medical appointment, to the pharmacy or for groceries. Hospitals or animal shelters are always looking for volunteers.  Teaching someone one of your skills could be fun as well.
  • Join a local book club, journaling group or dance group. Do you enjoy singing? If so, join a local choir.
  •  If you are in good health, take some time to travel. It is fun to research different, exciting places. It could be an exotic destination, an island or an historic visit.
  •  Building meaningful connections can prevent mental health conditions and improve the quality of your life. Connect with family, friends and new acquaintances.
  •  Take an online class. There are several free informative classes. Google subjects you are interested in and have fun learning.
  • Monitor your health and eat good food. Avoid junk food and reduce alcohol consumption.  Buy a blood pressure monitor to ensure your pressure is in check.  If you have diabetes, buy a blood glucose monitor.

Remember to look after your health, enjoy life and have fun!