Fitness, it is on the fast track and has been trending across the United States for years. Exercise moves and routines are recycled, new twists and improvements are added to make them the latest “new old” craze across all age groups from the very young to seniors. When it comes to physical activity to increase a heart-rate, the options are unlimited. Any type of physical activity can be transformed into an exercise routine and before the person knows it, all the fun they had translates into tremendous health benefits.
Safe and fun exercises are important with senior activity in mind. For obvious reasons, and maybe the not so obvious seniors need to take special care in how they exercise. The body is older and more fragile than a younger person’s is. The good news is there are many fun activities seniors can participate in to reap the many health benefits they deliver.
Shuffleboard History – The New Old
Shuffleboard, a popular game for centuries across the world got its start in a pubs and palaces during the 15th Century in England. Since its inception, the objects used to play were switched out to suit the time and place in Shuffleboard history. The game has endured many name changes since it evolved as well, but shuffleboard rules and the game’s objective have mostly remained the same. Most importantly, it has remained fun and brings with it health benefit rewards seniors can enjoy.
Health Benefits
Shuffle Board Rules
Shuffleboard rules can vary, but there are general rules and objectives that apply. While it is true the Shuffleboard game is fun, it takes skill to win. The two types of Shuffleboard games played are one is indoors and one played outdoors, but the objectives are the same.
Strategy, Skill and Fun
Shuffleboard Game Resources
Shuffleboard Rules
Shuffleboard History
Bocce History – The New Old
Bocce history, first documented as far back as 5200 B.C., starts in a painting of two boys playing bocce ball discovered in an Egyptian tomb by Sir Francis Petrial, an English Scientist.
Bocce Ball History Timeline
Bocce Ball has gone through many changes throughout time evolving from a crude sport played with rocks or coconuts, to the modern metal or composite balls used today. It has seen multiple rule changes and has held many titles; nine pins, lawn bowling, pentanque, skittles and others. Weekly Bocce tournaments are held by casual players across the U.S. and are a Special Olympics event, part of the World Corporate Games and being considered by the Olympic Games.
Playing Bocce Ball is a fun, friendly, competitive game of skill to play and comes with its own set of health benefits for anyone participating. An additional attraction of the game is it is an excellent activity for seniors to take in safe exercise.
Health Benefits
Bocce Ball Rules
The most popular Bocce Ball game is Open Bocce among casual players. Its popularity is due to the ability to be played in almost any open space; front/back yard, open grass or dirt field, the beach or a paved parking lot.
The rules are pretty simple and the player’s objective is to get the bocce ball to land and rest as closer to the panillo than the other players.
Scoring Points, Frames and Winning
Bocce Ball Resources
Bocce Ball Rules
Bocce History
When you think of aerobics, you may think of over exerting, fast movements that wear you out and make you sweat a lot. The truth is everyone; especially seniors should include 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in his or her daily routine. It is good for the heart, gets the blood flowing and keeps you in shape. Luckily, for us there are many alternatives to the old exercise routines of aerobics. Dancing for example, is a fantastic activity to reap the same health benefits and you do not have to have good rhythm to do it. Anyone can dance to a healthier them in the privacy of their own home.
Dances for Seniors
Chair Dancing – a seated exercise
Line Dancing – Low impact and low stress on joints
Health Benefits
The health benefits of dancing as aerobic exercise for seniors, vastly improve overall health. The constant movement in dancing (at your own set pace) elevates your heart rate pumping oxygen faster through your blood. This is what makes it aerobic or in medical terms, cardiovascular.
Physical Therapy – Health Benefits of Dancing
Dancing Resources
Dances for Seniors
Health Benefits of Dancing
Yoga is a discipline practiced consisting of controlled body positions and stretches, meditation and controlled breathing for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The intent of yoga is to reach a state of deep spiritual insight and tranquility. Yoga is believed to be over 5,000 thousand years old and its popularity has been stood the test of time.
Yoga is low impact and a great way to get the exercise required to stay in good health, offering a list of health benefits. Because it is made-up of gentle, low impact movements, it is ideal for any fitness level. For example, results from simple yoga stretches for seniors improve a range of physical overall wellness.
Health Benefits of Yoga for Seniors
As with anyone, seniors stand to gain other benefits that come from practicing yoga regularly. Health benefits of yoga for seniors range from better sleep to getting a peace of mind, to increased self-esteem and encouraging self-care.
Yoga Resources