Living Gems

Six tips for staying fit over 50

Five tips for staying fit over 50

Five tips for staying fit over 50

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits are vital for over 50s but most aren’t doing enough of it, according to the experts.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows only one in three (33.4 percent) of people aged over 65 years old have met the latest physical activity guidelines.

According to health and fitness coach, Josh Kristenson, that’s not good news.

“Especially when you consider all the health conditions that can be prevented or managed with regular exercise,” he said. “These include heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure – all chronic diseases that have increased risk of developing with age.

“Even if you’re not naturally athletic, there are ways to keep fitness fun to get back into exercise if it’s something you’ve been neglecting, which is something we’re all guilty of at some point!\

“Overall fitness and reduced risk of disease are just some of the benefits. Exercise can boost your social connections and help you make friends too.”

Josh says small lifestyle changes, easily incorporated into your daily routine, will help support your fitness goals, whether they are increased energy, losing weight, improved strength, or better sleep.

“The human body responds to exercise at any age, so it’s never too late to get fit,” Josh says.

“The secret behind any successful and sustainable fitness routine is motivation. If you stick to doing what you love, you’ll be more motivated and willing to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.”

Here are six popular activities that not only boost your fitness but also your social life.

Walking

Walking can help improve cardiovascular health, bone density and is an excellent way to reduce and control your weight. Because of its low-impact on joints and muscles, it’s beginner-friendly too. You can step it up a bit as you get fitter.

Walking can be done solo or in groups and is a great exercise for people of all fitness levels. Many Living Gems resorts have social walking clubs where residents come together for fun morning walks before catching-up over a cuppa.

Water aerobics

Water aerobics is an excellent low-impact way to build your fitness level while having a good time with friends. Classes tend to focus on balance, strength, stability, mobility, and coordination.

Classes are often held at Living Gem’s swimming pools, which are designed to help alleviate aches and pains and soothe your skin.

Dancing

If you enjoy dancing around your lounge room, why not sign up for a dancing class?

You might even find what you’re looking in Living Gems Country Clubs! Dancing is a great way to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing without feeling like it’s a chore.

Yoga

Yoga for the over 50s is a wonderful way to stay active, while maintaining strength and wellbeing. Yoga, in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory diet, can help with heart health, brain function, mood, and mobility.

Pickleball

Pickleball is the latest craze to hit Australia and will be a fixture in future Living Gems resorts. The paddle sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is perfect for tennis lovers who are beginning to find the stress on joints too much, and for beginner players who are keen to try a new ball sport.

Golf

Whether it’s at a nearby golf club or at a golf simulator in GemLife resorts’ country clubs, golfing is a terrific way to stay fit and improve muscle tone and endurance.