Conservatory At Plano

Staying Active When Elderly: Tips From Plano Seniors

Written by Discovery Senior Living | Nov 7, 2025 5:00:00 AM

Staying active when elderly can enhance your health and overall quality of life. You can discover fun exercise classes through your Plano, TX senior living community.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the global prevalence of physical activity is over 21%. Many seniors aren't meeting daily exercise requirements, which can affect their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Staying active when elderly can uplift your mood and improve your overall health. Not sure how to safely add exercise to your Plano retirement lifestyle? Read on to discover our tips for wellness in aging seniors in Plano, TX! 

What Are the Different Types of Exercise?

There are four main types of exercise:

  • Endurance/aerobic
  • Strength training
  • Balance
  • Flexibility

Aerobic activities will boost your heart rate and breathing. Examples include:

  • Dancing
  • Jogging
  • Brisk walking
  • Swimming
  • Biking

Strength training can help you build muscle. You can use resistance bands or lift weights. Try to complete muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.

Improving your balance can prevent falls and related injuries. Flexibility exercises will help your body stay limber.

How Much Exercise Do Seniors Need?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly. You can break this down by exercising for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Otherwise, aim for 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity weekly.

Everyone has different fitness levels. What feels like moderate-intensity exercise for you may feel vigorous to others. This can vary based on:

  • What you feel comfortable doing
  • The shape you're in
  • Your health condition

Don't stain yourself. Instead, consider working with a trainer to develop a personalized exercise plan based on your abilities.

Benefits of Active Senior Living

Regular fitness for older adults may help:

  • Improve sleep quality
  • Reduce blood pressure
  • Ease feelings of anxiety
  • Reduce the risk of weight gain
  • Lower the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease
  • Reduce the risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and depression
  • Lower the risk of eight cancers (esophagus, endometrium, colon, breast, bladder, kidney, lung, stomach)
  • Improve balance and coordination (reducing the risk of falls)
  • Improve bone health
  • Help seniors live independently longer

Tips for Staying Active When Elderly

Staying active when elderly can support your health and longevity. Before working out, review these tips for active senior living.

Take It Slow

Take your time increasing the amount of physical activity you complete gradually, over a period of weeks or months. Begin with lower-intensity activities appropriate to your fitness level to avoid injuries.

As your strength improves, increase the intensity, duration, and frequency.This will help you build confidence in your abilities.

Seniors with a chronic health condition should consult a doctor or exercise professional first. They can:

  • Assess your current physical activity levels
  • Determine appropriate types of activities
  • Help you progress at a safe and steady pace
  • Offer continued support

Don't forget to warm up before exercising and cool down after. This may help prevent injuries and other negative health effects.

Set Goals

Establish fitness goals for yourself. Goal-setting may help:

  • Improve performance
  • Improve focus and persistence
  • Increase autonomy and self-determination
  • Make exercising more enjoyable
  • Boost satisfaction and interest

Set goals that are specific and realistic. Track your progress over time and make adjustments as needed.

Navigate Challenges

Barriers may keep you from staying physically active, including:

  • Bad weather
  • Cost of equipment
  • Low energy
  • Lack of motivation or confidence

Recognize these barriers and find a solution for each one. If the weather is bad outside, exercise in the gym. If you lack motivation, consider working with a physical trainer or friend.

Explore your senior living community's fitness program to find fun exercise classes. Participating with friends may keep you motivated and make exercising more enjoyable. 

Build a Support System

Exploring your senior living community's fitness program can help you find an exercise buddy. They can:

  • Provide opportunities to socialize
  • Keep you motivated
  • Boost your mood
  • Help you recognize your accomplishments
  • Encourage you to try new exercises

Socializing can boost your mood and give you a sense of belonging. You can enhance your mental well-being while improving your physical health. 

Explore a Variety of Activities

Explore a range of physical activities through your senior living community. These may include:

  • Walking groups
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Water aerobics
  • Tai chi
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Dancing
  • Pickleball

Remember to add the four main types of exercise (aerobic, balance, flexibility, and strength-training) to your routine. Each type will help you exercise different muscle groups, improving your overall health. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule?

The 3-3-3 rule is a gym rule that ensures balanced fitness. It involves:

  • 3 days of strength training
  • 3 days of cardio
  • 3 days of rest or active recovery

Following this rule can ensure structure. It can help prevent overtraining due to a lack of recovery. Applying this rule may look like:

  • Monday: strength and cardio
  • Tuesday: rest
  • Wednesday: cardio
  • Thursday: lifting weights
  • Friday: rest
  • Saturday: strength and cardio
  • Sunday: rest

Before applying the 3-3-3 rule, consult a physical trainer or professional at your senior living community. They can help you develop a personalized fitness plan based on your abilities.

What Exercises Are Not Appropriate for Older Adults?

Some exercises can create new health problems for seniors (or worsen existing problems). These may include:

  • Leg presses
  • Crunches
  • Upright rows
  • Chest presses
  • Overhead presses
  • Deadlifts

Consult a trainer before trying these exercises. Always have a spotter present when lifting weights to reduce the risk of injuries.

Enhance Your Plano Retirement Lifestyle

Neglecting to exercise regularly may increase your risk of serious health conditions. Instead, enhance your Plano retirement lifestyle by staying active when elderly. Adding a variety of exercises to your routine can support better health while improving your longevity.

Remember, you can find engaging exercise classes through your senior living community. Conservatory at Plano provides best-in-class independent senior living. We have everything you need to unlock the joys of worry-free retirement living.

Discover our exclusive independent living programs, including Sensations Dining, Celebrations Activities & Events, and Dimensions Health & Fitness to enhance your senior lifestyle. Contact us now to schedule your tour.