Physical Activity is Vital for Your Health
So, what do you want to do today? When crisp fall days bedazzled with golden leaves are beckoning you outdoors, heed the call. (It’s nature’s gift before winter chill sets in.)
Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health and is a key ingredient in longevity and independence. Most health agencies recommend adults over age 65 get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
McKnight Place Assisted Living and Memory Care can help you reach that goal. Our monthly activity list is brimming with choices — both indoors and outdoors — from morning through evening. The activities are tailored to the interests, requests, abilities and passions of our residents, with something for everyone.
Here are some fun ideas to get moving so you can reap the health benefits:
Walk and talk
Lace up and head out to see fall’s splendor in the company of friends by joining the Solemates Walking Club at McKnight Place. The fun social interaction mixed with aerobic activity and fresh, cool air will energize you. The walking paths through the beautiful grounds of McKnight Place lead to a multitude of health boosts. These include reducing your risk of certain cancers, strengthening your memory and cardiovascular system, lowering cholesterol, and keeping weight in check. Stay in a regular routine of walking daily to maximize the health benefits.
Yoga for you
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation. It comes in many forms for every ability, skill level and age. In fact, the world’s oldest practicing yoga teacher is 99 years old and still going strong. While she may not be teaching at McKnight Place, our yoga classes are a popular way to improve balance and muscle tone, keep your mind sharp, boost your mood, reduce anxiety, regulate blood pressure, strengthen bones and protects joints. Whether you prefer chair yoga or standing yoga, set a goal to do yoga at least once a week to feel healthier and more flexible.
Start a healthy habit with tai chi
The slow, rhythmic movements of tai chi bring peace, calm and so much more. Tai chi is known to increase flexibility, balance, eye-hand coordination and endurance as well as strengthen muscles. Some evidence even points to tai chi’s ability to reduce pain and enhance the immune system — an important benefit leading into cold and flu season. Because the movements are low impact and gentle, they put minimal stress on muscles and joints. Nearly anyone can do tai chi, even if you haven’t done much exercise lately. Some consider tai chi a “gateway exercise” to being more active overall. That’s a great direction for anyone! Fall is a perfect time to begin tai chi at McKnight Place and continue through the winter months.
Dance for life
Whether you were a dancer, wish you had been, or simply enjoyed watching “The Nutcracker,” Vitality Ballet at McKnight Place is ideal for all fitness levels—no background in dance required! Vitality Ballet is a fun, stimulating and beneficial exercise that can be done from a chair or standing. You’ll experience the freedom of movement with a sense of accomplishment, while also gaining increased circulation, balance, stability, memory and coordination. It’s a class designed for body and spirit that can be enjoyed any time of year.
Endless choices all year round
The thoughtful amenities at McKnight Place Assisted Living and Memory Care, such as a fitness area, greenhouse, and lush gardens, encourage an active lifestyle all year round. Other activities available include bowling, billiards, ballroom dancing, gardening, putting contests, yard games, card games, painting, singing, happy hours, spiritual services and learning opportunities. Residents also enjoy regular educational, cultural, dining and entertainment outings.
Come See For Yourself
With a wide range of activities and focus on wellness, McKnight Place is a lively, beautiful community where residents live the life they choose. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 314-993-3333 or visit McKnightPlace.com. All-inclusive apartments start at $6,000 per month and move-in specials are available.