Festive Ways to Stay Active During the Holiday Season
Staying active is important for the overall well-being of older adults, and the holiday season provides unique opportunities to incorporate physical activity into festive traditions.
Our Physical Therapists are excited to share their three top tips to help you stay active during this holiday season:
Engage in Festive Walking:
The Holiday traditions in New England are all around us, and we encourage you to take advantage of the holiday decorations and lights by going for festive walks. Whether it's a stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy the seasonal displays or a visit to a local holiday market, walking is a low-impact exercise that provides cardiovascular benefits.
Include Functional Movement in Daily Tasks:
Incorporate functional movement into your daily tasks by making simple modifications to routine activities to help maintain strength, stability, and flexibility. Promote physical activity. For example, while cooking holiday meals, add standing leg lifts or gentle squats while waiting for something to cook. Additionally, you can practice balance exercises while standing in line wrapping presents or waiting for cookies to bake.
Plan Active Grandparent-Grandchild Activities:
Take advantage of the holiday season to plan active and enjoyable activities with your grandchildren, which might include going for a nature walk, playing outdoor games or holiday crafts. Whether it's building a snowman, having a dance party, or playing a game of catch, engaging in activities with grandchildren fosters a strong bond and provides an opportunity for physical exercise.
Remember!
The key is to make physical activity enjoyable and sustainable.
Incorporating festive elements into exercise routines and encouraging social engagement makes older adults more likely to stay motivated and active during the holiday season.
