Senior Living in Cary, NC: How Residents Stay Active at Every Level
Senior living in Cary, NC, at HeartFields at Cary means that all residents stay active, no matter what shape they're in. We help them do so with engaging wellness and fitness programming, diverse social and cognitive engagement activities, and outdoor spaces and community excursions.
According to the CDC, adults 65 and older need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. However, many seniors struggle to meet this requirement, and as a result, their health isn't optimal.
What can help is being in a supportive environment, such as HeartFields at Cary. We offer excellent senior living in Cary, NC, but we do more than that. We enable our residents to stay active and healthy!
How Do Elderly People Stay Active?
Elderly people can stay active by incorporating movement into their daily routines in simple and sustainable ways. For most, they benefit from short, frequent activity sessions rather than long workouts. This can reduce fatigue and joint strain.
Seniors should also make sure their workouts are diversified. So in addition to cardio, they should work on:
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Strength
To improve motivation and consistency, consider doing social activities like group walks or exercise classes. Whatever you do, the key is choosing activities that feel enjoyable, safe, and achievable.
What Is the Most Important Exercise for Seniors?
The most important exercise for seniors is strength and balance training. This can help with fall prevention, which then directly supports independence.
Yes, older adults should walk, as it's excellent for heart health. But strength training is vital for seniors, too. It can help:
- Maintain muscle mass
- Protect joints
- Support bone density
Balance exercises are crucial too. If you combine it with strength training, gentle stretching, and light cardio, you'll get the key to healthy aging.
How Residents Stay Active in Our Community
When searching for Cary retirement living, you want a community that encourages and motivates you to stay active. Find out below how we do this for our residents!
Engaging Wellness and Fitness Programming
There are many lifestyle options for seniors here, thanks to our wellness and fitness programming. We accommodate all mobility levels, meaning that residents can join in group fitness classes that are easy and gentle, such as chair yoga and stretching sessions.
We also have experienced and trained instructors who thoughtfully lead the programs so that everyone can participate safely and confidently.
When you're able to do physical activity with confidence, you'll support your heart health and muscle tone, which will help prevent falls and boost your overall energy. You'll also feel more capable and connected to your body, which promotes long-term independence and vitality.
Diverse Social and Cognitive Engagement Activities
All too often, we think of "staying active" in only physical terms. But it's not just about the body; it's also about keeping your mind sharp and connected.
Here at HeartFields at Cary, we have a full calendar of social events, as well as:
- Educational lectures
- Music performances
- Games
- Creative workshops
All of these activities give you opportunities to learn and build friendships with other residents. Plus, the social interaction helps combat isolation and promotes emotional well-being. You'll remain engaged in life and feel purposeful, so you'll never feel restless or bored.
Outdoor Spaces and Community Excursions
Assisted care routines don't mean you spend all day indoors. While you can certainly engage in exercise and social interactions inside, it's always good to get some fresh air.
Luckily, it's easy to do so in our community. We have landscaped courtyards that make walking a breeze, and there are many accessible paths to enjoy strolls on.
We also bring our residents on group outings into the city for:
- Shopping
- Dining
- Cultural events
Not only do these activities promote physical movement, but they also connect our residents with the local community. We always encourage our seniors to explore and stay mobile!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the 3-2-1 Workout Rule?
The 3-2-1 workout rule is a weekly fitness structure that almost everyone can follow, including seniors. It balances strength, mobility, and heart health, and you won't overexert yourself either. The plan goes like this for the week:
- Three days of strength training
- Two days of low-impact cardio
- One day of mobility or stretching
All of these exercises can help you maintain muscle and bone density, support stamina, and improve balance and flexibility. As a result, you can reduce fall risk and preserve independence.
Does the 7-Minute Chair Workout Really Work?
Yes, the 7-minute chair workout really works, and it can actually be very effective for seniors! It won't replace longer workouts, but it's a safe and manageable way to build consistency, improve circulation, and strengthen your muscles. That's because it targets the legs, core, arms, and posture muscles.
How to Keep Elderly Parents Active?
Keeping your elderly parents active can be a tough task, especially if they have illnesses or mobility issues. The key to motivating them is to make movement feel safe and enjoyable.
The best approach is to focus on senior wellness activities they already enjoy, such as:
- Walking
- Gardening
- Light stretching
- Simple home exercises
You can also offer to join them to make the exercises more social and motivating.
Another thing that could help is setting small and realistic goals. This can stop your parents from feeling overwhelmed.
Most importantly, celebrate their achievements! Consistency is what's most crucial, so focus on that instead of intensity.
Stay Active While in Senior Living in Cary, NC
The best thing about senior living in Cary, NC, is that you'll be surrounded by amazing people and a positive environment. This will make aging and movement much easier, especially since everyone will hold each other accountable and provide much-needed motivation.
Even better is that you'll lead a resort-like lifestyle at HeartFields at Cary. You'll have plenty of amenities, activities, and events to keep busy with, so it'll be a wonderful retirement!
HeartFields at Cary is a pet-friendly community, and we provide weekly housekeeping and laundry services. To schedule a tour of our senior living community in Cary, NC, contact us today.