It’ simpler than it sounds to find active and healthy activities for seniors, and if you don’t know where to look, you could end up missing out on some great things to do. These days, senior citizens represent the older generation, however technically anyone older than 62 is a senior – and that’s not even old! Whether you’re lacking mobility and want to get engaged in activities, or you’re physically fit but nearing the big 70, there are a number of great activities to keep you moving – don’t settle for that chair in front of the fire just yet! Let’s take a look at some of the best things for over 50’s to do in Melbourne.
Exercise Programs
Although assisted home living and nursing facilities provide great exercise programs, sometimes the best workouts are out in the open air. There are a number of fitness classes available in the parks of Melbourne for senior citizens, and many are actually free and provided by the government – all you have to do is sign up and turn up!
- Activities for over 50’s in Melbournelouisa_catlover / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
Additionally, if you’re as agile as you used to be, these fitness programs can be tailored to your specific needs, and combined with physiotherapy, make a great workout. These free fitness programs that are offered in the various parks over Melbourne are exclusively taught by licenced instructors, that have many years’ experience keeping seniors fit and healthy. From Palm Bay United Methodist Church and Eau Gallie Christian Church to the South Mainland Community Centre, signing up for these classes only takes two minutes, and there are even free bus services that run from the centres to the open parks.
Dance Classes
No matter what age you are, everybody loves to dance – you just have to find the right music! Not only do dance classes in Melbourne introduce seniors to the wide range of techniques to get your body in shape, but they can also help to strength and improve the moves you already know.
Senior dance classes are all about agility and endurance, and when practiced over a number of weeks, they can really help to improve the body’s movement, as well as helping to strengthen muscles. One of the best senior dance classes in Melbourne is the Lebed Therapeutic Dance program at Wickham Park Senior Centre, and they help people with all types of conditions, from cancer to Parkinson’s disease. If you’re thinking of travelling to Melbourne this year, check out cheapflights.com.au for the cheapest flights.
Yoga and Swimming
Even for the younger generation, swimming is one of the best ways to keep fit and to improve your body’s health. As many people get older, they find that Yoga helps to stop muscles seizing, and it can also reduce the effect of arthritis.
When both activities are combined, they make one of the best fitness regimes for senior citizens, and there are a number of places all over Melbourne to take part in group activities. From the Wickham Park Senior Centre to the Howard E. Futch Memorial Park down at Paradise Beach, you’ll be able to make friends, get fit, and most importantly have a great time!
