Walking – Going for a walk or a bike ride gets you out of the house, and your speed doesn’t matter. You can use Nordic Walking Poles if you want to get more of a workout from your walk. Check out local conservation areas and parks; or in bad weather walk in a mall by yourself or join a group.
Swimming – Indoor community pools usually offer the opportunity to swim lengths, in addition to aqua fitness classes, which are particularly kind to aging joints and bones. Some even offer warm/hot pool exercise activities.
Yoga, Tai Chi and Wii and bowling are fun activities that offer low impact fitness and relaxation for individuals or groups. Many libraries and seniors’ centers offer many of these programs.
Dancing – There are plenty of dance lessens offered in most communities, and it’s a great way to have fun and get fit. Zumba Gold is a dance class designed specifically with older adults in mind.
Tennis or badminton – Indoor and outdoor courts offer year-round access where you can join to play these racquet sports; most offer senior leagues. For more fun try ping pong or table tennis.
Pool or billiards – Indoor year-round fun that you can enjoy at home if you have the room, or at a pool hall. Some may say that it’s not a sport, but moving around the table, bending and reaching, is more exercise than sitting on a couch clicking a TV remote control.
Pickleball – A net and a ball game similar to tennis, but played at a slower place on a smaller court. You can play singles or doubles where offered at your local recreation center, and it’s been proven very popular with aging baby boomers.
Powerlifting/Weightlifting – Not something for the person who only wants to go occasionally to the gym or do a light workout now and then. However, for those who want to venture down this road (after getting the nod from their Doctor to avoid injuries) weightlifting is something that can be enjoyed all year long.
Boating – While motorboats are fun, canoeing will give you more bang for your buck if you want to combine fun and fitness.
Fishing – Whether it’s deep-sea fishing, or on the bank of the nearest pond or river, senior anglers can enjoy this activity well into their later years.
Lawn Bowling – A great team sport that offers the benefits of socializing and a gentle fitness activity for older adults. There are clubs just for the 50+ and senior generations.
Croquet – Offers all the benefits of lawn bowling for older adult fitness, but, you can also have friends over and play this in your back yard. Good fun for all ages.
Golf – Amateur golfers have a wide range of courses to play on. Lessons, golf carts, and the club house can all add to your fun whether you’re venturing out as a single or you have a group that plays regularly. A great way to get out, have some fun, and enjoy the company of great friends.
Biking – Easier on the joints than running, plus if you strap a basket on the front or back you can multi-task while having fun.
Walking Soccer/Football – That’s right, no running allowed! A great way for older adults to play a team sport they love while reducing stress on the joints and lowering the risk of injury.
