Active Retirement - retirement sports and leisure

Keeping healthy and active throughout your life is essential for the well-being of your body, improving not just your fitness but your mind, emotional well-being and overall bodily functions. Healthy aging relies on adequate physical and mental stimulation, through socialisation, physical activity and excellent nutrition.

Bad nutrition and unsatisfactory physical activity can result in chronic health conditions, frequently found in the elderly. By making better lifestyle choices you can reduce the risk and make aging a positive and enjoyable experience.

Popular retirement sports

Exercises that aid in balance and strengthen muscles can be especially beneficial to older people by improving mobility and helping to prevent falls. Tai Chi is a gentle exercise, excellent for developing balance.

A wonderful form of exercise is, probably, the most underrated of all: walking. It's free, can be as gentle or hard as you wish, works many muscle groups and provides fresh air and sunlight, vital for vitamin D production in the body. Walking can be done alone or with friends, family or pets, providing companionship as well.

Other relatively inexpensive exercises are swimming and other aquatic activities. Water provides support for your body, resulting in less muscle and joint problems. Like walking, swimming can be as gentle as you wish and different strokes can work different muscle groups, providing a great overall workout. Other water activities include hydrotherapy and water aerobics. Check out your local pool for activities near you.

Other popular sports for retirees include:

• Golf
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Cycling

Benefits of staying active

• Many sports and physical activities take you outside. As well as getting fresh air and exercise, you are also providing your body with vitamin D. This is essential for healthy bones and the main source of vitamin D is the sun.
• Exercise itself is also good for strengthening your bones, helping to manage or even prevent osteoporosis, a condition that affects many older seniors.
• Estimates show that up to half of the health problems associated with becoming older can be attributed to a lack of exercise. These include:
• increased blood pressure, body fat and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety;
• reduction in muscle mass, strength, coordination, balance, mobility, flexibility and bone strength;
• higher incidence of heart and respiratory disorders, and stroke.
• Physical activity can assist older people in maintaining their independence and positive attitude.
• Physical activity is often a team event, offering companionship and support from your peers.

Getting active

• When taking up a new sport, always see your doctor first.
• Choose an activity you enjoy and do it with friends.
• Make it fun and safe; don't try to overdo it.
• Start off slowly and keep track of your achievements for motivation.
• Wear appropriate clothing and stay hydrated. Don't exercise in hot weather or immediately after meals.