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Health Education

Life-enrichment department can help maintain fitness indoors this winter

Like bears, many seniors hibernate in the winter. Rather than maintaining their dedication to health, fitness and exercise, many older adults replace their daily outdoor walks and health regimen with extra time in bed, in front of the TV and computer or in the dining room.

That’s unfortunate and unhealthy.

“It’s important to stay fit during the long winter months but also to be responsible while doing it,” said Julie DeLong, chair of the Healthy Pathways Wellness Task Force for the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service Corporation. “A lot of times we make excuses for ourselves because we’re confined indoors, but there’s plenty of things you can do to maintain your health and well being.”

One of the most popular ways seniors exercise is by walking. If you take advantage of days when the weather is tolerable, then you can continue to walk outdoors during the winter months. When the weather is unbearable, walk indoors. By walking throughout the community you can certainly get a nice workout in or you can simply hop on a treadmill in the fitness center. Another option is to visit the mall and spend part of your day walking there, and perhaps, even get a little shopping in.

A great source for your health and well being is the life-enrichment department. Every Franciscan Community has one and they are staffed with highly trained and motivated associates who would love to work with you. They schedule a variety of different activities related to exercise. Check out their calendar and try out some of these activities. Visit your community’s fitness center to use the exercise equipment and to talk to the trained associates who can assist you in meeting your fitness goals.

“There’s always a lot going on for the residents, and a lot of it is related to maintaining your health, so even though it’s cold outside, there are plenty of healthy activities readily available indoors,” DeLong said. “Plus, vigorous physical activity can increase your energy level and improve your mood and that’s always a good thing especially when it’s so cold outside and it gets dark so early in the day.”

To learn more about health and fitness with Franciscan Communities, contact the life-enrichment department at any of the 16 Franciscan Communities.

Chair with arm exercises

Try these quick exercises. All you need is a chair with arms.

1. In a seated position, with one foot flat on the floor, extend your other leg straight in front of you with your toes pointed. Now, tighten your leg muscles and hold for 10 seconds. Then, relax your leg and repeat with the other leg.


2. Turn your head slowly to the left and hold for five seconds. Now, repeat on the right side. Drop your chin, hold, and then slowly tilt your head back as far as possible. Repeat this sequence five to 10 times.


3. Cup your hands gently over your closed eyes. Hold for approximately one minute.


4. Let your arms relax at your sides. Now, raise your shoulders and rotate them up and back in a circular motion. Repeat this exercise for up to five times and then change directions.


5. With your hands held in front of you, clench both fists and hold for five seconds. Now, spread your fingers as far as you can and hold for five seconds. Repeat five times.

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