…Break the Bingo Mold and Start Burning Calories …

“B-4…. BINGO!” You hear the excitement as you’re falling asleep in your chair. Bingo is the stereotypical pastime at nursing homes, but isn’t it time to mix it up? Break out of the routine! Add some exercise to your life, and gain a pep in your step. Seniors who exercise daily are more productive, healthier, and feel happier about life. Here are some ways you can stay fit while having fun.

• Dancing: This is great for the body and soul. Many assisted living homeshost dance classes for you to learn or practice your steps. One hour of salsa dancing burns about 400 calories depending on your weight and gender, and it will also strengthen your core, balance, and coordination. If salsa’s not your thing, you can elect to learn hip hop dancing, belly dancing, ballroom dancing, jazz, or swing. Learn something you enjoy and you won’t even notice you’re actually exercising.
• Virtual Reality and Video Games: If you’re limited on space in your nursing home, virtual reality and video games are a great way to bring the world to your room. Game consoles such as the Wii are great for getting you up and exercising. Playing Wii Sports for an hour burns about 150 calories. Partake in Wii bowling, tennis, or golf right from our own living room. You can even set up bowling leagues and competitions to make it a social event with your friends.

Other than the Wii, virtual reality fitness apps are another great way to burn some extra calories and stay fit. These apps enhance your experience on a treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike by making you feel as though you’re biking through Paris, or walking along the Great Wall of China. A recent study at a Copenhagen nursing home found that senior participants did not feel any higher resistance when challenged on stationary bikes and it helped motivate them to continue working out and staying fit. You can buy a virtual reality viewer for as little as $19.99 and hook it up to your phone for these amazing experiences.

• Tai Chi: The ancient Chinese martial art is a great stress reliever and creates mental clarity and calmness, much like yoga. Although the calories burned are not as high as other exercises – about 160 an hour– you gain many health benefits. Tai Chi is known to prevent fractures, ease arthritis pain, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep, which are all benefits that could increase the quality of life for the elderly.