Ways for Seniors to Stay Active This Summer

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle offers a wealth of benefits. Engaging in regular physical activity enhances health,  boosts mental well-being, and improves overall quality of life. At Fleet Landing, our luxury coastal Life Care Community prioritizes the health and wellness of our Residents, no matter the season. 

Our idyllic location in Atlantic Beach, FL, puts Residents just steps from the beach and close to all the area's top local attractions, including several golf courses. We also boast a wide variety of on-site activities through our renowned WELLInspired™ Living program. We've curated a list of great ways for seniors to stay active and make the most of the vibrant summer season.

The Importance of Staying Active

Staying active during the summer months (and throughout the year) helps seniors improve balance and maintain overall fitness. It can also help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Whether it's a gentle morning stretch, a group fitness class, or a relaxing evening walk, incorporating regular activity into your daily routines can significantly enhance your overall quality of life and help you maintain your independence.

Making a Splash with Aquatic Activities

Aquatic activities are a perfect way for seniors to stay active, especially during the summer months. Water exercises provide a low-impact workout that's gentle on the joints while offering great cardiovascular benefits. Plus, they offer an opportunity to cool off and beat the heat on a hot summer's day. With indoor and outdoor swimming pools on-site, Fleet Landing makes it easy for Residents to participate in water-based activities on-site.

• Aquatic Therapy: Participating in aquatic therapy is an ideal way for seniors to cool off during hot summer days while working to alleviate joint pain, arthritis, or back problems. The buoyancy of the water supports movements, making it easier to perform certain exercises that may be challenging on land. At Fleet Landing, our residents can participate in Theraqua, a class that uses gentle movements to help relieve joint stiffness and inflammation.
• Water Aerobics: This fun and engaging activity enhances cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance. The water's resistance adds an extra challenge, making water aerobics an excellent workout for seniors. Plus, the social aspect of group classes can boost mood and create a sense of community.

Try Classes to Learn Something New

It's no secret that summers in Atlantic Beach can get hot. Temperatures can climb during the day, but by taking continuing education classes such as music, yoga, or art classes, seniors have a fantastic opportunity to socialize indoors and avoid the heat. The cooler temperatures of air-conditioned spaces make engaging in a new learning environment more comfortable, more enjoyable, and much safer.

Local community centers often provide a variety of classes and organized group activities tailored to the  interests of seniors. These include everything from dance classes and lecture series to art classes and card games... Reach out to your local community center to learn more about their senior activity schedule.

At Fleet Landing, we encourage lifelong learning through our WELLInspired™ Learning Series. Residents can check out the monthly events calendar for a glimpse of upcoming topics and lectures.

Indoor Fitness Options

When the summer heat becomes too intense, indoor activities allow seniors to maintain their fitness levels in a cool and safe environment. At Fleet Landing, residents have opportunities to participate in a wide range of exercise classes that offer a breadth of health benefits while remaining gentle on the body. Our personal trainers can suggest a program that suits your fitness level, physical abilities, and interests.

• Chair Yoga: This form of yoga provides the benefits of traditional yoga while ensuring the safety and support of participants. Utilizing a chair for stability, chair yoga is perfect for individuals with limited mobility or balance issues. Participating in chair yoga can help enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and improve respiratory function.
• Tai Chi: Known for its slow, flowing movements, tai chi embraces balance, flexibility, and mindfulness, making it a wonderful practice for seniors. It's often described as "medication in motion" and can be practiced indoors and outdoors.
• Pilates: Regaining popularity in recent years, Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. It's a great way to maintain strength and flexibility. Many Pilates exercises can be modified to suit different fitness levels, making it an accessible activity for seniors of varying abilities.

Tips for a Safe and Active Summer

The warm weather and summer sunshine often make people want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. However, keep these considerations in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer:

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can occur quickly in the summer heat. Drinking plenty of water is crucial for seniors, especially when engaging in physical activities. Be mindful about consuming water regularly throughout the day. Also consider drinking beverages that replace electrolytes, especially after intense activities, such as workouts and exercise classes.
• Wear Sunscreen Daily: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential during the summer and year-round. Sunscreen is your first line of defense against the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Protective clothing, such as shirts with long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses, can also help shield the skin from sun damage.
• Limit Time in Direct Sun: When spending time outdoors, limiting sun exposure is essential for avoiding overheating, burns, and exhaustion. Take frequent breaks and seek shade whenever possible.
• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: In the summer, the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Being mindful about scheduling outdoor activities when the sun is less intense can help you avoid overheating, sunburn, and sunstroke.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels during and after exercise. If you experience dizziness, fatigue, or pain, rest and seek medical support if necessary.

Join Us at Fleet Landing

At Fleet Landing, Resident health and wellness are our top priorities during all seasons. Discover how WELLInspired™ Living promotes an active lifestyle. Our community enjoys a wide variety of exercise and fitness classes, personal training sessions, social events, and over 40 Resident-led groups and clubs. To learn more about Fleet Landing, contact us online, or call us at 904.748.2252.