10 Creative Ways to Be More Active at Any Age

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Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to kick back and let the world go by. In fact, the more active you are the more likely you’ll live longer and enjoy a positive quality of life as you age. Looking for some creative ways to be more active? Check out these 10 ideas:

1. Turn on some tunes

It doesn’t matter if you still prefer the radio, CD player, or even an old-school cassette player. Turn on some tunes. Your phone, tablet or digital device works too. Pick some upbeat music and get to it. Work in the yard, go for a walk, hit the gym.

2. Feed your brain

You don’t always have to listen to music. Podcasts and radio shows about topics you’re interested can also be a great way to feed your mind while you’re doing other activities.

3. Try new activities

Ever felt like your exercise routine was in a rut? You know, the same workouts, the same walking routes, the same exercises. Change things up. Take a different route. Try new exercises. Maybe even sign up for a 5K walk or other event.

4. Make it quick

You’ve got things to do and places to go. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym or working out. Make it quick. Hustle. Or break up your exercise minutes throughout the day. Research shows short bursts of exercise can help burn calories, boost metabolism, and improve your health.

5. Partner up

Need a little motivation to keep exercise on the schedule? Call a friend or your significant other and make it a day. Meet at the gym to workout. Get to the mall when it opens for a walk. Or pick your favorite hiking trail or walking route and make it happen. You’ll be more likely to go when someone is counting on you.

6. Get help from a personal trainer.

Ever get to the gym and wonder what you should do? Take the guess work out of exercise, and hire a personal trainer. You’ll get custom workouts, instructions, help and encouragement to get the most out of every workout.

7. Take a fitness class

Just check the schedule at the gym, your community center, retirement center, or hospital. Most offer fitness classes for seniors. You can also take fitness classes online and follow along in your living room.

8. Invite your friends

Everybody likes a challenge. Invite your friends to exercise and workout with you. Create a challenge, set a goal with a timeline, keep track and check in. It’s a great way to stay motivated and help others make progress, too.

9. Exercise outside

As the weather starts to get better, looking for opportunities to exercise outside. Try the park, hiking trail, or a biking path. Breathe in some fresh air, exercise, and improve your health.

10. Reward yourself

Set a realistic fitness goal you can achieve, create a deadline, and plan a reward. Track your progress and work on getting fit a little each day. When you reach your goal, celebrate with a new pair of shoes, trip to the spa, or something else.

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to watch life pass you by. Everyone should be active at least 30 minutes a day. Healthy eating habits will improve your healthy and quality of life as you age too.Check out these Senior-Friendly meals all made from fresh ingredients to fuel your next workout.