How Seniors Can Stay Active No Matter the Season
From blustery days to wet and rainy ones, spring can make it tough to get outside every day, particularly for those with allergies. If you're like many seniors, you may find yourself looking for ways to stay active despite the weather. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get exercise, learn new things and make friends with others in the community. Read on for some top ideas from our team here at Salina Presbyterian Manor.
Take Virtual Classes
Pursuing your interests and learning more about topics you're passionate about is an ideal way to engage your mind, and with an internet connection and a computer or mobile device, you don't even need to leave home to do it. Virtual classes give you a chance to learn from experts in a seemingly endless number of fields located all over the world.
SeniorPlanet from AARP offers live classes on a wide range of topics from finance to health, and many of them are free. Sites like MOOC.org and Udemy can connect you with thousands of Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs, online classes that allow you to learn at your own pace through videos and downloadable materials. You can also discover classes on specific topics just by conducting a quick internet search using a search engine like Google or Bing.
As a trusted resource for seniors, families and the greater community, Salina Presbyterian Manor proudly offers a series of educational seminars called Just Ask Lifelong Learning events. Topics range from planning, technology basics and general education to health and wellness and Medicare benefits. Check out our events calendar to learn which Just Ask workshops are coming up.
Join a Book Club
A good book can transport you to another place and time, and reading is a great way to relax while keeping your mind active. Book clubs take the benefits of reading a step further by bringing you together with other bibliophiles to discuss books. A club can help you engage more fully with what you read, but it will also provide time for friendly chats with fellow readers.
Hire a Personal Trainer
You likely know that regular exercise is important for your health and well-being, but if you're like many seniors, you may not be sure how to get started. A personal trainer who specializes in senior fitness can help. Personal trainers are experts when it comes to exercise. They can design custom programs that take your fitness level, general health, personal preferences and wellness goals into consideration and guide you through your workouts.
With their advice and assistance, you can feel confident that you're doing exercises correctly to gain the most benefits and reduce the risk of injuries. Plus, personal trainers provide encouragement and motivation to help you power through your workouts and keep up with your fitness routine over time.
Try a Chair or Yin Yoga Class
Yoga is an ancient practice that involves moving the body through a series of poses while focusing on your breathing. When practiced regularly, yoga can help support muscle and joint health, improve sleep and ease stress to benefit overall health and well-being.
There are many forms of yoga, but two of them are especially beneficial for seniors: chair yoga and yin yoga. Performed while resting comfortably on a sturdy seat, chair yoga works the upper and lower body from a stable, supported position. Yin yoga involves gentle, passive poses that you hold for an extended length of time. Both types of yoga are commonly taught at yoga studios and through virtual classes accessible online.
Visit a Local Museum
A trip to a local museum lets you spend the day in the comfort of an indoor setting while learning about history, art, science and other topics. Many museums offer special discounts or even free admission for seniors and self-guided or docent-led tours to help you fully engage with their collections. While you expand your mind, you'll also be walking through the galleries and exhibits, racking up steps and getting some exercise.
Residents of Salina don't have to travel far to visit a great museum. At the Smoky Hill Museum, you can learn about local and regional history through hands-on activities. Another great area attraction, The Museum at Rolling Hills Zoo Salina features exhibits related to animals and ecosystems through unique animatronic exhibits. Salina is also home to the Central Kansas Flywheels-Yesteryear Museum, which features exhibits related to agricultural history.
There's Always Something to Do at Salina Presbyterian Manor
At Salina Presbyterian Manor, we believe that staying active is vital to seniors' physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs. That's why we provide many engaging activities and amenities year-round. As a part of our amenities, residents of our Independent Living community have access to a wide range of wellness and exercise programs, worship services, Bible study, Saturday movie nights, day trips and a full schedule of programs, events and activities.
Whatever your interests, you'll always find something new to experience and enjoy alongside friendly neighbors. Learn more about all Salina Presbyterian Manor has to offer by visiting us. Just call 785-825-1366 to schedule a tour.
