Getting regular exercise is one of the most important things older adults can do to stay healthy. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week to support heart health, improve balance, improve sleep, keep memory sharp and enhance mood, among other health benefits. But as the summer temperatures rise, it can be tempting to shorten or skip exercising all together.
Here are six ways to beat the heat and stay active this summer:
Get out early in the morning. Avoid the peak heat of the day by getting outside earlier in the morning. You’ll stay cooler, avoid dehydration and will get the benefits of the sunshine while the UV index is lower.
Hit the trails. With more than 4,000 miles of hiking trails and nearly 1,400 miles of rail trails in Michigan, there are plenty of options to find a shady walk in the woods near you. Rails trails are often paved, making them an excellent alternative if you prefer a smoother path.
Exercise indoors. There are multiple ways to exercise indoors from joining a gym or community pool to walking laps around your local mall.
Try a virtual workout. Priority Health Medicare members have a fitness benefit called One Pass1 that offers access to live digital fitness classes and on-demand workouts. One Pass* can help you reach your fitness goals from the comfort of your home, while finding new passions along the way.
Try a YouTube video. Don’t have virtual workouts as a health benefit? YouTube is a great resource for free exercise videos you can follow from the comfort of your own living room. You can search for anything from yoga to weightlifting to stretching to aerobics and even search for videos geared specifically for seniors.
Get your steps while getting some culture. Exercise doesn’t have to be hard work. You’ll get plenty of walking in while wandering an art museum, farmer’s market, summer festival or a stroll on the lakeshore.
Bonus Idea: Meet a friend at a Priority Health Fitness Court®.
Fitness Courts are adaptable to any age or fitness level and are often located within a community park, making them a free gym alternative that lets you combine exercising with socializing with a friend.
Don’t forget the mental exercise.
Just like you strengthen your body with exercise, your brain can be strengthened with mental exercise. Mental exercise is a term for anything that engages your brain. When done on a regular basis, these activities help you think faster, focus better and remember more, improving the cognitive skills that are vital to maintaining safety and independence as you age.
Some examples include:
- Puzzles
- Crafts
- Gardening
- Knitting
- Video games
Don’t let the summer heat slow you down. Follow these tips or talk with your health care provider if you have any specific concerns, to stay active and healthy all summer long.
1One Pass is a voluntary program. The One Pass program varies by plan/area. Information provided is not medical advice. Consult a health care professional before beginning any exercise program.
*Fitness benefit included on all Medicare Advantage plans except PriorityMedicareSM Vintage. PriorityMedicare SM D-SNP includes a virtual-only fitness benefit.
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