With the warm weather and longer daylight hours, it's the perfect time for residents in Independent Living at our Life Plan Community to embrace all thate warm weather has to offer. Staying active this season can help support physical health and mental well-being while sustaining social connections. At WindsorMeade, we believe that a vibrant lifestyle should be nurtured throughout the year.
Let's explore some warm weather activities that can help seniors stay active, engaged and healthy all season long.
With the heat outdoors, water-based activities can offer a refreshing way to exercise during the warmer months. The buoyancy of water creates a low-impact environment that's gentle on the joints, making it a great option for seniors. Whether you're swimming laps, participating in a class or simply floating, aquatic activities are known for their effectiveness in improving cardiovascular health, increasing flexibility and reducing stress. As part of our Pathways to Wellness program, the WindsorMeade campus features a state-of-the-art fitness center with a heated indoor pool for lap swimming and exercise classes, as well as a therapy pool for holistic wellness support.
Water yoga combines the benefits of traditional yoga with the therapeutic properties of water. This gentle exercise helps improve balance, strength and flexibility while providing a soothing, meditative experience. The water's resistance adds a unique challenge, engaging participants' muscles on a deeper level without causing excessive strain or stress on the body.
Our water yoga classes at WindsorMeade are tailored to accommodate all skill and fitness levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every resident.
For those looking to boost their cardiovascular fitness, water aerobics is an excellent choice. Dynamic and high-energy, water aerobics classes guide residents through aerobic exercises in the water. This proves effective in toning muscles and improving physical endurance and stamina. The resistance provided by the water makes each movement more effective, and the low-impact setting reduces the risk of injury.
As part of our Pathways to Wellness program, we offer water aerobics classes to enable residents to stay fit and cool during the warm months in a fun and supportive environment.
As temperatures rise, outdoor activities can be more comfortable during the evening hours. The cooler evening setting can also help minimize the risk of overheating, dehydration and conditions such as sunstroke that can come as a result of high temperatures and direct sunshine.
Whether you're interested in arts and crafts, yoga, dance, fitness classes or even a lecture series, local community centers offer opportunities for you to explore new hobbies and topics and meet new people. You may also be able to join an evening walking group with other local seniors.
At WindsorMeade, we also offer a variety of fitness classes that take place throughout the day, so residents can stay active while avoiding the heat of the midday sun. Whether it's a calming yoga session or a dynamic dance class, evening fitness classes provide a great opportunity to move your body in a social setting.
When you need a break from the heat, indoor fitness classes offer a comfortable environment to keep your body moving. At Windsormeade, our state-of-the-art fitness center provides the perfect setting for engaging in a wide range of movement, strength-building and aerobic activity. Here are some of our favorite choices for residents at our Life Plan Community.
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be performed either sitting or standing with the support of a chair. This makes it accessible to those with limited mobility. Participating in chair yoga helps improve posture, increase flexibility and build strength while practicing mindfulness and reducing stress.
An ancient Chinese martial art, tai chi focuses on slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing. It's known for its calming effects and its effectiveness in improving balance, flexibility and overall well-being. Our instructors offer classes for all skill levels, ensuring all residents can participate.
Pilates is a mind-body endeavor that focuses on controlled movements and structured exercises that target core strength, flexibility and posture. With modifications available for different fitness levels, it's an excellent choice for seniors looking to build strength and improve their mobility. These classes are held in our comfortable, air-conditioned fitness studios, providing a cool and pleasant environment while you work up a sweat.
While the warm, sunny weather brings new opportunities for outdoor activity, it's important to prioritize safety, especially because older adults are particularly prone to experiencing overheating, sunburn, dehydration and sunstroke. WindsorMeade's wellness team is always available to provide guidance on sun protection to help Independent Living residents enjoy outdoor activities safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind when enjoying time outdoors in the warm weather.
Hydration is crucial, especially in the heat. As we age, our sense of thirst may diminish, making it essential to keep track of our water intake. Seniors should aim to consume at least eight glasses of water daily — more if engaging in physical activities.
Protecting your skin from the sun's UV rays is crucial at any age. Seniors should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin. It's important to remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or sooner if you've been swimming or engaged in a high-intensity activity that prompts excessive sweating.
While we often want to maximize our time in the sunshine, taking frequent breaks is important to avoid overheating and dehydration. Regularly seeking shade to cool down can help prevent heat exhaustion and sunburn.
What we wear plays a role in both our comfort and safety outdoors. Light, breathable fabrics and wide-brimmed hats can provide shade and help regulate body temperatures to reduce the risk of sunburn or heat-related illnesses.
At WindsorMeade, the health and wellness of residents is a top priority in any season. Our community offers a wealth of opportunities for staying active and engaged all season long. Embrace the sunny season and discover the many ways we encourage residents to embrace wellness daily at our Life Plan Community.
Contact us at 757-941-3615 to schedule a visit and learn more about the many benefits you can enjoy at WindsorMeade.
