BATON ROUGE, La. – There are many health benefits that come from staying active as you age, and right now is a great time to get out and get moving. To celebrate and encourage healthy living, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana’s medical director Emily Vincent, M.D., is sharing senior exercise tips.
In this video, Dr. Vincent shares fitness tips specifically for older adults. Tips include:
Tip # 1: Drink Plenty of Water
Before starting your exercises, remember to get yourself a bottle of water. Older adults may not feel thirst as quickly, so it is very important to hydrate yourself during your exercises to avoid fatigue and muscle cramps.
Tip #2: Stretch
Stretching is a great way to prepare for any physical activity and reduce stress. When your body has been properly stretched, it is less likely to have aches and pains. There are plenty of stretches that can be done from a chair, too. Try taking a yoga or tai chi at your local gym or senior fitness center to learn new relaxing stretches.
Tip #3: Take a Walk
Once you have finished your stretching, considering taking a walk. Walking is a wonderful way to get your daily dose of fitness. Not only does walking strengthen your leg muscles and improve your balance, but it also improves the blood flow to your heart.
Tip #4: Have More Fun
If you’re craving more fun while you exercise, try dancing or adding a new sport to your list of activities. Some leisurely sports to consider are bowling and golf. Make regular plans to play with your friends, or bring your grandchildren along and teach them your newest skill.
Tip #5: Take Advantage of the Pool
Pool exercises help people grow stronger without putting extra pressure on joints. If you have access to a pool, try swimming, taking a water aerobics class or even water walking. Seniors with arthritis will particularly benefit from pool exercises, since heated pools can soothe pain.
Please talk with your healthcare provider if you’re interested in trying a new activity, and learn the steps you can take to live a healthier lifestyle. You’re never too old to get active.
Your health plan may offer wellness plan benefits to cover some or all of the membership cost to a gym or senior center. This depends on your plan type and coverage. Check your health plan’s website (bcbsla.com for Blue Cross members) or call Customer Service for your health plan to check your benefits.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. We invest both time and money in the communities we serve, supporting the health and wellbeing of Louisianians through more than 200 charitable organizations.
With our subsidiaries, HMO Louisiana and Southern National Life, we provide group and individual health insurance plans, life and disability insurance, group voluntary products and administrative services to one out of four Louisiana residents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana also provides Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans and is a partner in offering the Healthy Blue Medicaid Managed care plan. Louisiana is the only state where we operate, with offices in every major region to serve our customers.
Founded in New Orleans in 1934, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is a tax-paying non-profit health insurer. We are a private mutual company, owned by our policyholders, with an independent Louisiana Board of Directors and no shareholders. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
To learn more, visit our website at www.bcbsla.com.
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