By Kim DeGraw, Activities Director, at Sheridan Green House, a long-term care facility managed by Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
Staying active – physically and mentally – key as we age
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to engage in regular physical and mental activities.
Regular exercise and physical activity can help us stay healthy and independent. While the term exercise can sometimes summon images of runners or cyclists, the activity doesn’t have to be that intense. Simple walks, swimming, chair exercises and stretching all can have huge health benefits as we age and are a little easier on our joints. The key is finding an activity you enjoy and that keeps your body moving. Work with your care team to ensure your activity fits your needs and current fitness levels.
Equally as important, cognitive activities are those that stimulate and challenge the mind. Engaging in regular cognitive activities has been shown to have a number of benefits for older adults.
Both physical and mental activities improve our overall quality of life.
Physical activities
- Maintaining mobility: Regular exercise helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength, making it easier to move around and perform everyday tasks.
- Preventing falls: Strong muscles and good balance can help prevent falls, a significant risk for older adults.
- Cardiovascular health: Exercise can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Bone health: Weight-bearing exercises like walking and running can help maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
- Energy levels: Exercise can boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
- Longer life expectancy: Studies have shown that people who are physically active live longer than those who are inactive
Mental activities
- Cognitive function: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles and games can help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.
- Mood regulation: Exercise and other activities can release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
- Social interaction: Participating in group activities and classes can provide opportunities for social interaction and combat isolation.
- Purpose and fulfillment: Engaging in meaningful activities can give older adults a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- Stress reduction: Activities like yoga, meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress and promote relaxation.
By incorporating regular physical and mental activities into our lives as we age, we can maintain our overall health, well-being and quality of life.
If you’re unsure about what activities are best for you, consider talking to your primary care provider. They can help you create a safe, effective plan to stay moving. If you don’t have a primary care provider, call or text Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care at 307.675.2690. If you need extra support, ask about a referral to Wyoming Rehab—a great resource for guided exercises and therapy tailored to your needs. Keeping active, both physically and mentally, is one of the best ways to enhance your quality of life. Take that first step today!
This article also appeared in The Sheridan Press on March 10, 2025, as a column on the Senior page. Sheridan Memorial Hospital appreciates the partnership with The Sheridan Press in helping to promote healthy living.