Active Aging Presented by Public Health Seattle-King County
Who says getting older means slowing down? Staying active as we mature keeps our bodies strong, our minds sharp, and our spirits high. But sometimes, specific challenges, like physical limitations, time constraints, and a lack of motivation, can make maintaining a consistent fitness routine difficult.
Here, we address some of the most common obstacles active agers face and offer solutions to help you keep moving and grooving well into your golden years.
Pain or Discomfort
If pain or discomfort keeps you from doing the things you love, it’s essential to identify the cause and find ways to work around it.
Approximately 20% of the U.S. adult population experiences some form of pain, so you’re not alone in this struggle. Of those, less than 50% participate in frequent physical activity.
Fortunately, most pain or discomfort can be managed or alleviated through specific exercises, stretches, and modifications to your fitness routine. To ensure that you receive the best care possible and address the root cause of your pain, we recommend consulting a health care professional such as a physical therapist or physician.
Fear of Injury or Falling
Everyone, regardless of age, may have some level of fear of injury or falling during exercise. This fear is amplified for older adults concerned about their balance, stability, and overall mobility.
According to a 2022 cross-sectional study of 792 elderly adults, 42% (334) said they feared falling. Moreover, a 2019 systematic review that included information from 30 cross-sectional studies found that up to 50% of people who haven’t experienced a fall still fear falling.
One way to overcome this fear is to work with a qualified fitness professional who specializes in working with older adults. They can guide you through exercises and activities that are safe and appropriate for your abilities, helping to build your confidence and reduce the risk of injury.
Incorporating exercises that improve balance and stability, such as tai chi or yoga, can also help alleviate fear and improve overall confidence in movement.
Fixed Income
Health club memberships, fitness classes, and personal trainers can be pricey, especially for older adults on a fixed income. But financial constraints shouldn’t prevent you from staying active and maintaining your fitness.
There are several ways to stay active without breaking the bank. For example, walking is free and requires no special equipment. It’s also low-impact, making it an excellent option for individuals with joint pain or discomfort.
Additionally, many community centers, senior centers, and local gyms offer discounted or free fitness classes specifically for older adults. AARP also discounts fitness-related products and services (and the membership is well worth the investment).
Memory Problems and Cognitive Decline
If you’re experiencing memory problems or cognitive decline, it’s essential to incorporate activities supporting brain health into your fitness routine, such as dance classes or interactive video games.
These activities can stimulate cognitive function and improve memory while providing physical exercise. Establishing a routine and setting reminders for your exercise sessions is also helpful.
Consulting a health care professional or joining a support group for individuals with memory problems can provide additional guidance and resources for staying active and managing cognitive decline.
The Bottom Line
Nearly one-half of older adults in the U.S. don’t engage in physical activity for one reason or another.
Don’t let common fitness challenges keep you from staying active. Instead, find ways to overcome these challenges and prioritize your health and fitness. Whether that means finding a supportive fitness professional or browsing for a good deal on fitness classes, options are always available to help you stay active and take care of your physical and mental well-being.
Active Aging is presented by Public Health- Seattle & King County. Public Health- Seattle & King County recognizes the important and untold stories of innovation, service, and sacrifice by the Black community and supports efforts to improve equity and achieve social justice. We want everyone to get health insurance and access health care. Visitwww.kingcounty.gov/health for health insurance, flu and COVID-19 testing locations.
