You may unexpectedly be spending a lot of time sitting down as a senior. According to research, seniors spend around two-thirds of their time awake sitting down. Being cooped up at home, there are only a few types of activities readily available – such as watching your television, reading, or doing the daily crossword. These activities involve too much sitting and can have adverse impacts on your health. As always, we believe everything should be carried out in moderation. Resting and relaxing are enjoyable but leading a moderately active life is just as important! Read on to find out about the health hazards of too much sitting and how to take steps to lead a more active lifestyle.
Health Hazards of Sitting Down
Leading a sedentary lifestyle can occur both due to personal choice and circumstances. Having challenges walking around is a common predicament for seniors due to the chronic pains you may be facing. However, too much sitting is still a health hazard that can affect you both physically and mentally.
Greater Risk of Obesity
When you lead a lifestyle where you are spending most of your time seated, you may often be in a caloric surplus without noticing. You are unable to burn off the calories that you are consuming every day which can cause excessive weight gain. Furthermore, seniors who spend too much time sitting down are more likely to consume unhealthy foods which can also result in obesity.
Greater Risk of Depression
Sitting down, stuck in the same loop day after day can be debilitating for your mind. The events that we engage in while sitting down, such as watching television can be very detrimental to our minds. Such activities are enjoyable in moderation but if you spend too much time on the television, your mind cannot be meaningfully engaged. At Rittenhouse Village At Portage, we believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy mind. Our dedicated team organizes many different events under the Dimensions Health & Fitness program for your holistic well-being.
Decreased Flexibility
Too much sitting can result in joints stiffening up. This is because when you are sitting, you are not actively using your joints and muscles. By getting up and constantly being in motion, your joints are more limber. Having such limber joints is important because it decreases the likelihood of you getting seriously injured if you have a fall.
How to Be More Active
You may fear starting to be more active after a period of being sedentary. However, we believe in taking small steps towards leading a healthier and more active life. Start by carrying out small, easy movements. After you get more comfortable, proceed on to more complex, heart-pumping movements. Ultimately, just find an activity that you enjoy, that also keeps you fit! However, if you do need additional assistance for your day-to-day needs, do consider Rittenhouse Village At Portage! We are a retirement community that provides round-the-clock services to our residents. Reach out to us to find out more.
