Activities for Sedentary Elderly People

Gardening is a healthy activity for senior citizens.elderly and infirm gardening 2. image by mdb from Fotolia.com

A sedentary lifestyle is the cause of many health conditions that could be avoided through physical activity. These health conditions include heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer, muscle atrophy and osteoporosis, as well as many others. Elderly individuals living without very much physical exercise are considered sedentary. Structured or unstructured activities can help elderly people to change their lifestyles to be more active and, therefore, more healthy ones.

Exercise Classes

Attending an exercise class is one way to add more physical activity to a weekly routine. Classes including yoga, tai chi and water aerobics provide gentle and low-impact exercises that help with muscle tone, balance and relaxation. These group activities also provide an opportunity for socializing outside of normal settings. Exercise classes specifically for elderly individuals may be offered at local community centers, recreation centers, group homes and fitness centers.

Group activities designed for elderly individuals can be a fun and healthy way to add more exercise to life. Activities are offered at community centers and group homes and include dances, games and field trips. All of these activities provide the opportunity to socialize along with becoming more active. Dancing is a good way to be active, and seniors can enjoy ballroom dancing or dances with different types of music. Going to different locations for field trips offers elderly individuals the chance to shop or sight-see while walking at the same time.

For seniors not living in a group home or near a community center offering activities, solitary activities are a good way to get exercise. Walking is a healthy way to stay active, as long as the weather is good. In bad weather, try walking in shopping malls. Gardening is another solitary activity that is both a hobby and a fitness routine. Planting, weeding, mulching and otherwise tending to flowers and plants provides time outdoors as well as a means to keep active.