Older Adults Can Play and Exercise at the Same Time Too

When we encourage children to stay active, we often tell them simply to "go outside and play." We know quite well that when children play, they run, jump, stretch and move in often very aerobic ways. For young children, exercise and play are usually synonymous. As we become adults, however, we forget that exercise can be fun and assume that it needs to be boring, sweaty and a lot of work. The truth is, adults--even older adults and seniors--can play and exercise at the same time too.

There are all sorts of games and activities that can be fun for adults and promote exercise and movement. Who says that games like basketball, tennis and soccer are just for kids or athletes? As long as there is no solid reason (including an injury, illness or a doctor's recommendation) that the activity should not be done, there is no "mature" reason adults cannot play.

Consider activities like ice and roller skating--many of us give these activities up as "youthful" games. We assume that adults either look silly on skates or that the world of recreational skating just doesn't support and encourage us. Those assumptions couldn't be more wrong. In fact, if you take a trip to your local skating rink during a community skate, you will notice adults of all ages and skill levels out on the ice or floor. There may not be a bunch of them, but there certainly are SOME who realize what great exercise it is and how much fun can be had doing something playful.

What outdoor and/or physical activities or games have you given up simply because you think adults do not do them? Dancing? jump roping? skateboarding? While you may not want to approach these activities with total abandon, why not consider incorporating those playful activities that you truly enjoy into your exercise and movement calendar? You may find that you are having so much fun "playing" that you don't even realize how much movement and exercise you are getting! You will likely use and stretch muscles that you have not used in a long time and may find not only your physical, but your mental health improves with some active, fun, playful movement!