During the COVID-19 outbreak, seniors need to take extra precautions to protect themselves. This is because elderly people are more likely to experience severe illness if they contract the coronavirus. 

Seniors in assisted living communities have to be especially vigilant about social distancing, since recreation and activities in senior communities are often group-oriented. 

For many seniors, the inability to mingle in groups has a huge impact on their exercise regimen, since they rely on senior exercise classes to stay fit. 

Since fitness is a vital part of senior health and quality of life, we’re examining a few easy ways to continue exercising, even while you’re stuck at home. 

Find Senior Exercise Videos on YouTube

YouTube is a vital resource for seniors who want to continue exercising during COVID-19 quarantine.  There are a number of YouTube channels that cater specifically to seniors’ exercise needs. Here are a few of our favorites:

Jenny McClendon

Senior Fitness with Meredith

Curtis Adams

As little as 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day can help reduce seniors’ risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Incorporate Easy Strength Training

Strength training is important for seniors because it helps them maintain muscle mass that naturally declines during the aging process. Weak muscles contribute to loss of bone mass, increased frailty and increased risk of falls. 

Check out this easy 20-minute strength training workout for seniors. This workout incorporates upper body and lower body exercises for optimal results. 

If you’re mobility-challenged, this workout outlines seated exercises, including strength training moves. Simply find a sturdy chair, and follow the prompts to get the workout your muscles need. 

Move More Throughout the Day

It’s easy to sit down on the couch and stay there, especially during social isolation when there’s really nothing else to do. 

However, the human body is not designed for a sedentary life. Lack of activity, especially in seniors, leads to accelerated muscle weakness. A sedentary lifestyle has also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease. 

During quarantine and social isolation, make an effort to incorporate more movement into your day.
While you’re watching television, make an effort to stand up during every commercial break. 

During household chores, like laundry folding or dishes, take a break every five or ten minutes to do simple arm or leg exercises. Sets of 10 take less than 30 seconds to complete, and will help get your heart rate up without making you feel winded. 

Drink more water throughout the day. Instead of filling up a large container at the beginning of the day, fill a small 8- or 10-ounce glass and refill it periodically. Keep your water in the kitchen so you have to walk to refill your glass. 

Don’t Forget Mental and Emotional Health

While physical exercise is a vital part of health and quality of life for seniors, so is mental and emotional well-being. 

It’s important to work out your mind during social isolation. Puzzles, games and books help stimulate the mind. If you have a smartphone, explore the Games option on your app store. 

It’s also important to fight feelings of loneliness during social isolation, too. Even though you can’t see your friends and loved ones, telecommunication makes it possible for you to stay in touch in a variety of ways. 

You can use social media, email, telephone and video chatting to stay in touch with friends. Video chatting services through Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp can help you see your loved ones while you talk. 

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is proud to help our residence use telecommunication methods to stay in touch with their loved ones during COVID-19. 

Find out more about our services and locations by calling us today. 

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