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Health Promotion Activities for the Elderly

Senior citizen centers and programs work to assist the elderly live active and healthy lives. Seniors who participate in programs and centers socialize with other elderly members, which helps to combat the isolation and depression that sometimes affects the older population. Staying active helps seniors live a healthier and more enjoyable lifestyle.

  1. Walking Clubs

    • Senior citizens participate in group walks with other elderly participants to maintain good physical condition. Mall walks keep the elderly out of the elements such as excessive heat, cold, rain and snow. The mall walkers get a workout in a well-lit and safe environment. Exercise keeps the muscles strong, which supports the joints. Seniors also experience a feeling of well-being when engaging in physical activity, according to AARP.

    Stress Management Group

    • Stress is a factor in everyone's life including the elderly. Stress management groups help seniors learn relaxation methods to reduce the amount of stress in their life for better health. Seniors learn deep breathing, meditation and yoga to help manage stress.

    Peer to Peer

    • Peer to peer counseling is a program that trains seniors to work with others to help deal with the daily stresses and difficulties of aging. Programs train seniors to help others deal with the loneliness and isolation of getting older. This can help to reduce stress and encourage seniors to participate in health promoting activities such as exercise classes and social activities.

    Exercise Classes

    • Senior centers hold exercise classes that accommodate the difficulties that some seniors have performing activities. Water aerobics is one example of an exercise class that is gentle on seniors joints while promoting physical activity. Chair exercises help seniors unable to participate in traditional aerobic classes or group walks move the body and benefit from physical activity.

    Health Workshops

    • Health workshops teach seniors the benefits of diet and exercise in their health. Health screenings such as cholesterol tests and blood pressure checks help to keep the seniors apprised of their condition. Seniors are taught how to interpret test results such as a healthy cholesterol count or blood pressure reading.

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