September brings us a new season and changing landscapes. It’s also Healthy Aging Month. We could go on and on about the importance of eating kale, drinking plenty of water, and hitting the gym, but healthy habits can also be disguised as fun!
Here are five ideas for some fall fun!
1. Play Some Pickleball
With elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, pickleball is a delightful sport on a small court. According to the U.S.A. Pickleball Association: this sport is played by seniors nationwide in retirement communities due to its social aspects.
Pickleball is a significant change of pace for those who love tennis but can’t quite make it around the court with the same speed and agility as they used to. Pickleball is played on a doubles-sized badminton court with a traditional wooden paddle and a plastic ball over a low net.
2. Tailgate with Friends
Tailgating is a win-win! Whether you enjoy attending football games or just the social aspect of a tailgating event, there’s really something for everyone.
You get to socialize, enjoy snacks (and prepare them if you choose), play lawn games, and get outside. Tailgating is an excuse to spend an afternoon playing. Be sure to take advantage while the weather allows.
3. Be a Local Tourist
When was the last time you looked around your neighborhood for something to do? Wear your favorite fall attire and comfy shoes, and visit your local pumpkin patches, farmer’s markets, or apple orchards. If you find goodies here, bring them along to the other events you enjoy, like tailgating, to add a fresh, healthy, and crisp spin to your event!
4. Hit the Books
There’s nothing quite like finding a great author or a series of books to pass the cool fall days. Go inexpensive and use your local library to find something in the genre you enjoy that will keep you coming back for more.
A book club can make reading a social event where you can meet new friends and discuss new reads. Learning is for life, which can be a fun way to stay active, too!
5. Take a Walk
Walking can be great exercise for almost anyone. You can go at your chosen speed, wear whatever you like, bring friends, or go solo.
You don’t have to shoot for 10,000 steps to feel the benefits of walking. If you’re new, start small by going around the block in your neighborhood and slowly increasing your distance. If you’re more advanced and want to keep up your walking pace over the winter, consider joining or starting a mall walking group.
Most of these activities can be enjoyed throughout life and contribute to healthy aging. If you’re feeling a loss of strength or balance or having difficulty keeping up like you used to, speak with your primary care provider before trying new activities. Preventative healthcare and wellness checks are important to help maintain your independence for years to come. Let Legacy Medical help you meet your health outcomes. If you need a checkup and are located in the Grand Forks area, we accept patients at our walk-in clinic. We also serve seniors who live in a number of senior living communities across the Upper Midwest and Great Plains. If you’d like to learn more, contact us at info@legacymedical.com.
