5 Ways to Stay Active This Winter if You’re Over 65Email

Feb 11, 2015

The days may be shorter and the mercury is dropping, but there are good reasons to get moving even when the weather outside is frightful.

Research indicates that exercise provides many benefits, particularly if you’re over 65. Some of these benefits include:

• Improving health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease
• Positively affecting your mood, especially during the winter doldrums
• Helping you sleep better
• Enhancing balance and mobility

The winter months, especially in Michigan, can present new challenges to maintaining an active lifestyle. Shorter days, low temperatures and snowy weather can derail even the most motivated exercisers. But there are options to stay active that don’t require heading out into the cold.

Before starting any exercise regimen or making changes to your current physical activity, please make sure to check with your health care provider. No matter which options you choose, think safety first.

1. Gyms aren’t just for body builders. If there is a gym nearby, check to see if it has an indoor track, indoor swimming pool, and/or strength training equipment. Ask the gyms’ trained staff for an orientation/instruction session to get you started.