Outdoor Exercises for Seniors in Fall

Autumn is a perfect time of year to take your exercise regimen outdoors. The blazing heat of summer has passed and the brutal cold of winter has yet to set in, making exercise comfortable. Given how sensitive many seniors are to temperature, there’s no better time to exercise outdoors.

If you want to enjoy the weather while focusing on your physical fitness, consider these outdoor exercises for seniors in the fall.

Hiking

For many people, hiking is a form of exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise. The colored leaves, sounds of nature and scenic views make people forget that they’re getting their heart pumping. Find a nearby trail and enjoy the fresh air. Many parks have trails tailored to different skill levels. Choose the option best suited to you.

Hiking trails near Chicago: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, Morton Arboretum, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Starved Rock State Park

Biking

Cycling is a low-impact exercise that is great for seniors with joint issues. You could jump on a stationary bike, but why not take it outside to enjoy the fall weather? Bike around your neighborhood or go to a park for nicer views. Just make sure you wear a helmet.

Great biking locations near Chicago: North Branch Trail, Lakefront Trail, Des Plaines River Trail, North Shore Channel Trail

Yard work

Though not exercise in the traditional sense, yard work is absolutely exercise. Raking leaves, pulling weeds, and mowing the lawn all burn calories, so why not take advantage of it? Count your yard work as your daily exercise, just make sure to take breaks as necessary.

Walking

If hiking, biking, and yard work are all too strenuous for you, walking is the perfect way to get your blood pumping. Start small with a 15-minute walk and slowly increase your walks as you start to feel more comfortable. This is a great activity to involve family and friends in, as there’s nothing better than a lovely conversation with lovely scenery.

Take an online class

When it starts getting too cold for you, you can still stay active. Instead, join an online class. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can find plenty of options for free on YouTube—from yoga to aerobics, to even weight training.

Free exercise classes on YouTube: Krissy Cela (weight training), The Fitness Marshall (at-home workouts), Yoga with Adriene (yoga), Gabriella Guevara (cycling)

Home care in Chicago

As you take the time to focus on your physical health, you may not wish to also manage the many other activities of daily living. Whether it’s a lack of desire or the exhaustion of it all, this is a common sentiment shared among older adults. That’s why the help of an in-home caregiver is so valuable.

Home Care Powered by AUAF has served seniors in the greater Chicago area for nearly 30 years. Our caregivers are trained to be as compassionate as they are skilled, guaranteeing you the best support. They happily aid clients with all the non-medical activities of daily living they require assistance with, including:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Errands
• Brain games
• Companionship

If you believe that you or a loved one would benefit from the support of an in-home caregiver, call us at 773-274-9262 to learn more about our services.