Seniors and Cycling: 3 Key Health Benefits
There’s a common misconception that bicycle riding is especially dangerous for seniors, when in actuality, riding a bike is no more dangerous than any other kind of exercise. For generally healthy seniors who are overall stable on their feet, going on a bike ride is an excellent way to get in some exercise.
If you’re a senior in a senior living community in a more temperate climate, like those living in senior independent living in Oceanside, CA, then bike riding is an amazing way to get out and active in the beautiful weather. However, even if you’re in an area that doesn’t have as nice of weather, then you can still enjoy going on a bike ride when the weather is nice!
Here are some reasons why cycling is a great exercise option for seniors:
1. Cycling is low impact and low stress
Unlike the high-impact activity of jogging, cycling is much more low-impact because your body moves in smooth motions. Jogging can put undue stress on your knees and ankles because of the rough, jarring motion of jogging, but cycling removes all of that. The circular motions of your legs follow the natural movement of your body, meaning that cycling is an exercise that you can continue to do for years to come.
2. Cycling is a great way to exercise with fellow seniors
Exercise is a great way to socialize with other seniors! If you’re in senior independent living, in Oceanside, CA, or anywhere else across the country, then communication and socialization are monumentally important to both mental health and physical health. Cycling is a fun and easy way to get out and get active with a group of people.
Plus, cycling is an easy and cheap transportation method! If you’re in senior independent living, then getting together in a small cycling club might be a fun way to get out and do exciting activities together. Go on a lunch outing, take a bike ride to a museum, or, if you’re close enough, you might even be able to go to the beach! With just your bike and a group of people, you can get exercise and get a lot of great social interaction along with it.
3. Cycling is fun
The most important part of any activity is that you’re having fun with it. Exercise is important to your physical and mental health, but it should also be a fun and exciting activity to do either alone or with friends! Because of that, cycling is a fun way to get out into nature to enjoy the scenery and the weather while you’re simultaneously reaping the health benefits.
On a bike, you don’t need to stay at home and walk on the treadmill or lift weights. With a bike, you get to be out in the action. You get to see a change of scenery and surround yourself with new places and faces that you wouldn’t otherwise have cooped up in your room! It’s a win-win!
Bayshire Carlsbad
Our independent living in Oceanside, CA, is a service that those of us here at Bayshire Carlsbad are proud to offer. If you or your loved one is a senior who is interested in being a part of the action themselves, contact us and schedule a tour today.
