Most people understand the importance of staying physically active as they get older, but as the body ages, aching joints and problems like arthritis can make that difficult. However, the more we slow down, the more we put our health at risk. Even if you do have limits to your physical movement, here are four important ways to stay mobile.

1. Start Slowly

Before you begin any fitness regimen, check with your doctor. If you’re cleared for action and have been sedentary for a while, start with something easy. Taking a brief walk every day or spending a little more time on house or yard work are good ways to start. You could move on to stretching, workouts with light dumbbells, walking faster and farther, or light calisthenics. Find an exercise program meant for seniors and try to build up to 20 to 30 minutes of activity each day.

2. Mind/Body Connections

Practices like yoga, tai chi, and qigong are good for seniors because you can do them slowly and limit the physical exertion to a level that’s comfortable. There are programs created for older practitioners. These forms of exercise can not only be fun, but therapeutic. With the proper breathing and focus, these disciplines are also good for calming and clearing the mind, improving posture, and developing balance. Maintaining good balance is important as you get older.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Many people have poor will-power or consistency when it comes to nutrition. Poor diet as a habit can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. You can find multivitamins and supplements for eye, digestive, or joint health. It’s crucial to eliminate junk food. Good nutrients build up your metabolism, while bad foods break it down. Find healthy alternatives you enjoy, such as yogurt, trail mix, or fruit.

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4. Mechanical Means

Even when your body aches too much to exercise regularly, you can find solutions that ease the physical stress while allowing you more mobility and a better quality of life. Stair lifts, vehicle lifts, lift chairs, and scooters can make life easier. One of the best ways to get around is still a motorized wheelchair from places like Corner Home Medical. There are a number of options as far as dimensions, weights, turning radius, and other features to find the chair that suits your lifestyle and environment.

Inactivity is a downward spiral, physically and mentally. Being mobile and social will help to relieve boredom and depression, no matter how it’s accomplished.