Fitness at senior ages

Sustaining a good level of daily physical activity is important at any age, but it becomes increasingly important the older you get. Over the years, you body loses its dexterity and agility, bones become brittle and you find that your mind just isn’t what it used to be. It’s all part of the natural development of the human body. But with a little effort, you can slow down the process and feel better for longer.

There are, however, several important things to consider in senior fitness (in Finnish: senioriliikunta). First of all, it might be worth talking to a doctor first. If you’ve been active your entire life, keeping up daily exercise comes naturally.However, if you’re just starting out, it’s worth talking to a professional to know what level to set out on. Either way, you need to remember to stop at the first sign of pain.

Other things to keep in mind are similar to fitness at any age: don’t exercise if you’re sick, don’t over-strain yourself, warm up when starting, cool down afterwards and drink plenty of water throughout. It’s also important to use the correct equipment. In today’s world of fitness, there is specific equipment for all levels of fitness and ages. In the mid-2000s, Lappset, the Finnish developer of outdoor fitness (in Finnish: ulkoliikunta) equipment, studied the everyday lives of senior citizens and children in daycare. The project eventually generated ideas that grew into the Senior Sport concept. Inspired by the research and assisted by experts in the field, Lappset designed a series of fitness equipment specifically for the elderly.