In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is smart to stay at home as much as we can. As the weather gets colder and the pandemic rages on there are some helpful ways to stay active while staying at home. There are tons of exercises that can be done at home to help stay active and healthy. Walking is a great exercise that is very low impact on the body. This can be done around your neighborhood or even in your home. Walking can be done at your own pace and for as long as you wish. Another great activity to consider are leg raises. These can improve leg strength but balance as well. These can be done sitting, laying down, or standing. Along with leg raises, arm raises are a great, easy exercises for older adults that can be done anywhere. Arm raises can also be done sitting or standing and if you need more strength, consider adding a small hand weight. Tai Chi is a great exercise for older adults that can be done within the home. This is a meditative practice and that is very low impact and uses slow, deliberate movements and positions.
Tai Chi videos can be found on YouTube. This is a great slow and low impact exercise that can be done everyday to help keep you active. Shoulder rolls are a great exercise to remember and are overlooked many times. Shoulder workouts can help with the ability to lift things which can help maintain independence. Another great exercise to do are hand and finger exercises. This is an area that we struggle with as we age. It can become harder to grip and carry things with your hands as you age and keeping strength and flexibility in your fingers and hands is very important. Stretching and using your fingers and hands is a very good way to exercise them and keep them moving. Stretching is another activity that becomes extra important as you age to keep flexibility throughout the body and joints.