Why Fitness Matters for Active Aging
Throughout life, physical activity becomes crucial for maintaining muscle strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. These areas collectively support daily activities like dressing, cooking and enjoying time out of the house.
The National Institute on Aging emphasizes functional fitness exercises, which target these four areas to improve overall health:
- Strength: Helps with lifting objects, standing and walking.
- Flexibility: Keeps joints and muscles supple for easier movement.
- Endurance: Improves heart health and stamina.
- Balance: Reduces fall risk and builds confidence.
Encourage your loved one to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, which can be spread across multiple days. Incorporating two days of strength-building activities, such as light weight lifting or sit-to-stand exercises, helps create a well-rounded fitness routine.
FOUR SIMPLE EXERCISES TO START TODAY
With the four elements of functional fitness in mind, here are several beginner-friendly exercises you can suggest to your loved one. These activities are approachable, require no equipment and may already fit naturally into their daily routine.
Before exercising, have them warm up their muscles with five minutes of gentle stretching. For additional comfort, applying a warm towel or hot pack for up to 20 minutes can help get muscles ready for movement.
The key is to encourage progress without pushing to the point of pain. Low impact exercises, like the ones listed below, are great for helping to build strength and endurance safely. Begin slowly, increase intensity over time and adjust as needed.
1. Walking
Walking is a versatile activity that benefits strength, endurance, balance and flexibility (all four elements of functional fitness!). Encourage your loved one to start with a short walk—around the block or inside a shopping mall—and gradually increase the duration as confidence grows.
2. Chair Squats (Sit-to-Stand)
This exercise strengthens leg muscles and improves posture, supporting independent movement. Encourage your loved one to stand up from a seated position and sit back down repeatedly. They can use the chair arms for support if needed. This can be done while watching TV or during other seated activities.
3. Wall Push-Ups
Wall push-ups are a gentle way to build strength in the arms and chest. Guide your loved one to stand a step away from a wall, place their palms flat against it and slowly lean forward and push back. Adjust the intensity by changing their distance from the wall.
4. Climbing Stairs
If mobility allows, suggest using stairs as part of their routine. Climbing stairs strengthens the legs and boosts cardiovascular health. Encourage taking stairs instead of elevators when possible or practicing at home.
Remind your loved one that they don’t have to exercise alone. Joining them or encouraging activities with friends can make staying active more enjoyable. Since we use our joints and muscles in many ways, it’s important to incorporate a variety of movements. Fun, low-impact options like golf, bocce ball, shuffleboard or cycling are great ways to stay active while enjoying time with others.
Transitioning from Caregiver to Community Support
At some point, being your loved one’s primary caregiver may no longer be the best option for their well-being—or your own. When that time comes, it’s important to know what resources are available that can enhance their quality of life.
Whether you’re considering a move to a senior living community now or in the future, it’s vital to explore the options designed to support your loved one’s needs. The Goodman Group’s managed communities offer an array of exceptional programs, including FIT Functional Fitness®, anti-gravity and aquatic therapies, Rock Steady Boxing and more. These specialized offerings create opportunities for a holistic approach to senior health and well-being, promoting a vibrant and active lifestyle
FIT FUNCTIONAL FITNESS®: TAILORED FOR SENIOR WELLNESS
FIT Functional Fitness® is thoughtfully crafted to meet each resident at their current fitness level, encouraging gradual and sustainable progress in a supportive environment. Inspired by the National Institute on Aging’s functional fitness goals, this innovative program emphasizes core strength, balance and cardiovascular health.
With exercises tailored to individual abilities and comfort levels, FIT Functional Fitness® empowers participants to build confidence and reach wellness goals at their own pace.
What is FIT Functional Fitness®?
This approach not only enhances health but also reduces the likelihood of falls and encourages older adults to stay active and engaged. Many participants find they can maintain greater independence in their daily activities.
Let’s take a closer look at the individual components that make FIT Functional Fitness® so impactful. Each element is designed to address specific aspects of senior health, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fitness and well-being.
FIT CHAR YOGA®
Offers safe, accessible poses to improve flexibility, circulation and relaxation. With guided photos and descriptions, participants can confidently practice in groups or individually, enhancing mobility and reducing stress.
FIT TO BE STRONG®
Emphasizes progressive strength training, tailored to the individual’s needs and comfort. Whether seated, lying down or standing, participants can engage in exercises that steadily build their physical resilience.
FIT TO BALANCE®
Focuses on enhancing the time participants spend on their feet, promoting stability and confidence. With beginner and advanced options, individuals can progress through balance exercises that align with their abilities, improving mobility and reducing the risk of falls.
FIT TO PEDAL®
Encouraging cardiovascular endurance, this group activity uses a stationary pedaler. Participants work together in a fun, communal setting, making fitness an engaging and social experience.
FIT TO STRETCH®
Promotes flexibility with gentle stretching exercises for arms, legs and other areas that need care. These movements improve range of motion, supporting overall comfort.
FIT Functional Fitness® programming is as diverse and dynamic as the managed communities it serves, offering classes tailored to the interests, abilities and needs of residents. At The Goodman Group, we believe fitness should be as fun as it is beneficial, which is why team members at the managed communities often let residents call the shots. Whether it’s FIT Chair Yoga® for gentle stretching and relaxation, invigorating group dance classes to the rhythm of favorite tunes, or low-impact strength training to build confidence and resilience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Innovative Fitness Programs Tailored to Your Loved One
If you have identified that your loved one would benefit from additional resources to stay active—whether they are recovering from surgery, managing arthritis or navigating other chronic conditions—consider the positive impact moving to a senior living community might have on their physical well-being.
ANTI-GRAVITY THERAPY
For example, Westchester Gardens Health & Rehabilitation in Clearwater, FL, features a zero-impact, anti-gravity treadmill that offers seniors an exceptional way to engage in cardiovascular exercise while minimizing joint strain.
“This equipment has been transformative for many of our residents,” shares Lorna, a physical therapist at the community. “It allows them to achieve a quality cardio workout without the fear of falling or experiencing pain.”
Anti-gravity treadmills, such as the AlterG, are clinically proven to reduce joint stress and improve mobility. These treadmills are particularly beneficial for seniors with orthopedic or neurological conditions, providing a safe and effective way to remain active. Many residents who use this innovative equipment report greater independence and a renewed sense of accomplishment in their daily lives.
AQUATIC EXERCISE: A GENTLE, EFFECTIVE OPTION
Many of The Goodman Group’s managed communities feature pools that provide excellent low-impact fitness options. Aqua therapy and instructor-led classes are especially popular among residents, as the buoyancy of water supports comfortable movement while offering resistance to build strength.
Water-based exercises are not just therapeutic but also incredibly fun. Residents love the camaraderie and the sense of freedom they experience in the water.
As a caregiver, this is something you can explore for your loved one, too. Many local YMCAs or athletic clubs offer aquatic fitness programs that provide similar benefits. Water’s natural resistance offers an effective cardiovascular workout while easing pressure on joints.
ROCK STEADY BOXING: FIGHTING BACK AGAINST PARKINSON’S
Another compelling reason to consider moving your loved one to a senior living community—or connecting them to a specialized program—is access to tailored fitness options for chronic conditions requiring expert guidance.
For instance, Parkinson’s presents unique considerations for caregivers and loved ones alike. Recent studies reveal that the incidence of Parkinson’s in the U.S. is nearly 50% higher than previously estimated, highlighting the growing need for targeted support and programs.
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, certain programs can help slow the progression and improve quality of life. One such program is Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact, boxing-style fitness program.
“This program is designed to help people with Parkinson’s,” explains Leah, Parkinson’s program director and boxing coach at Cypress Palms, an assisted living community on The Palms of Largo campus in Largo, FL. “We focus on exercises that improve balance, hand-eye coordination, strength and help with muscle rigidity.”
Rock Steady Boxing provides a structured fitness curriculum with multiple benefits:
- Improved mobility and balance: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises enhance flexibility, strength and balance, helping participants regain confidence in everyday movements.
- Supported cognitive function: Exercise, especially when paired with coordination drills, can positively impact cognitive health. The mental engagement required in Rock Steady Boxing classes helps slow cognitive decline commonly associated with Parkinson’s.
- Building camaraderie and support: The program’s community atmosphere offers emotional support and motivation. Participants often form meaningful connections with others facing similar challenges.
- Boosting confidence and quality of life: As participants gain strength, mobility and independence, they frequently report a renewed sense of accomplishment and well-being.
- Personalized approach: Coaches tailor classes to meet the needs of individuals at various stages of Parkinson’s, ensuring safety and effectiveness for all participants.
Take a look at how Beth, head coach and Rock Steady Boxing program director, at The Lodge at The Lakes at Stillwater, located in Stillwater, MN, empowers individuals in her class to fight back against Parkinson’s.
Empowering Lives: The Impact of Rock Steady Boxing and Coach Beth
With over 400 affiliates worldwide, Rock Steady Boxing has become a cornerstone of active living and Parkinson’s care. The Goodman Group is proud to offer this transformative program at several of its managed senior living communities, with plans to expand its availability even further.
The Right Environment Makes All the Difference
As a caregiver, supporting your loved one in considering a senior living community can be one of the most meaningful decisions you make, especially before an unexpected change forces a quick decision. Whether they are fully independent or require some assistance, The Goodman Group’s managed communities are thoughtfully designed to foster independence while providing the tools and resources needed for a vibrant, active lifestyle.
Wendy, whose parents reside at Terracina Grand, located on the Terracina Senior Living campus in Naples, FL, emphasizes the importance of starting the conversation early.
“Have the conversation early, when your loved ones can still tell you what they want,” she advises. “When they still have their own opinions about what they’re looking for.”
Beginning the discussion early allows time to explore options together, making the process feel less overwhelming and more empowering. “I don’t have any guilt because they made the choice,” Wendy shares, reflecting on her parents’ journey to senior living.
EMBRACING A FUTURE OF ACTIVE LIVING
Senior living communities offer so much more than a place to live—they create an environment where seniors can truly thrive. From tailored fitness programs to enriching social opportunities, these communities make staying active an accessible and enjoyable part of daily life. The Goodman Group’s commitment to overall well-being gives every resident the opportunity to embrace movement, connection and joy.
