While the long days and copious sunshine entice many older adults out of the house, trying to keep seniors moving during the summer months is another thing entirely. Hot weather takes the wind out of everyone’s sails, regardless of age, and it makes older adults in particular want to stay home.
There’s some wisdom to that: Seniors especially need to approach summer exercise carefully. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t stay active; it just means they need ways to cool down at the same time.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways for them to do just that right here in Naperville. Here are some of our favorite senior summer exercise resources:
How to Help with Senior Summer Exercise in Naperville, IL
Thanks to the resources available in Naperville, it’s easy to help older adults get exercise if you know where to look. From indoor walking spaces and exercise classes to outdoor swimming holes, there are plenty of ways for seniors to stay active in the summer right in your backyard.
- Find a Swimming Hole
There’s a very good reason why swimming is so popular during the summer: It’s one of the few enjoyable ways to get moving outside on hot days. The pool is a particularly good place for seniors to exercise because they struggle with both heat and high-impact movements.
Naperville has plenty of public and private pools to choose from, but one local gem takes the cake: Centennial Beach. The town converted this abandoned rock quarry into a massive swimming hole, complete with a sandy beach, a wading zone and a bathhouse. Just make sure to bring water, snacks and waterproof sunscreen—swimming might keep your loved one cool, but it won’t protect their skin.
While Centennial Beach is a popular spot to bring kids, Saturday and Sunday mornings are adults-only, making it the perfect time for seniors who prefer things a little quieter. They even host private adult swimming lessons to help your loved one dive in with confidence.
A word of warning: Don’t try to swim in the adjacent DuPage River; its currents are too strong. Leave it to the boaters and fishers instead.
- Find an Indoor Workout Class
In many ways, the best workout for older adults is the one they enjoy. One of the best ways to help your loved one is to find them a form of exercise they’ll look forward to.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, home to the city’s Active Adults Program. They host group exercise classes specifically designed for older adults such as balance building, yoga, tai chi and even kung fu. After attending a few of these classes and meeting like-minded seniors, your loved one may even start to think of them as a weekly social occasion they can look forward to.
- Step Out, Indoors
Getting moving can be hard for older adults, but once they make it a habit, they’re often able to keep at it…until something gets in the way. What might seem like a simple inconvenience to us can completely disrupt the structure they rely on to motivate themselves.
For instance, many seniors make regular walks outside a part of their routine, whether it’s alone, with a pet or alongside a group of friends. If a heat wave or a thunderstorm disrupts that plan, they might not have the energy to figure out an alternative.
If a senior in your life uses regular walks to stay in shape, one of the best ways you can support them is to find them a bad-weather option, such as the Fox Valley Mall. It’s hard to imagine a walking place better suited for seniors’ needs than malls: They have air conditioning, sun protection and plenty of spots to sit, as well as smooth, clean floors free of tripping hazards.
If your loved one relies on their regular walking group to keep their step count up, never fear: There’s a mall walking group that meets at Fox Valley Mall every morning.
Get Help With Senior Summer Exercise in Naperville, IL
It can be challenging for older adults to stay active when it’s hot outside, but there’s good news: Naperville has plenty of ways for them to get moving and beat the heat at the same time, from outdoor swimming holes to malls and community centers.
If your loved one needs help getting exercise during the summer, FirstLight Home Care of Naperville is here for you. Our compassionate caregivers can help seniors get ready to go out, provide transportation and even act as a walking or swimming buddy.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today.
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