Over the past 20 years, the rate of physical and sporting activities among those over 55 has increased significantly, even if it is still not sufficient. Performance is no longer the primary motivation for the majority: it is giving way to health and well-being, to age, while remaining active. It is a new form of resistance to advancing age, where safety and prevention are inseparable.
When it comes to choosing a sport for seniors,  here is the list of 5 physical activities considered by the famous Harvard University to be among the best sports practices of all time for all ages (including those over 50): cycling, walking, swimming, gymnastics, and yoga.
Why do health and safety criteria become more important after the age of 50?
Playing sports does not have the same meaning or the same objective for different individuals.
Some see it as a reference to competition, while others consider walking or gentle gymnastics as sporting activities. Around the age of 50, and even more so in retirement, the relationship with sport changes. It must:
- Meet a need: enjoy life in good health, stay active,
- Fulfill a function: maintain physical abilities and autonomy, reduce medication intake, participate in treatments, and prevent illnesses.
The activities preferred by seniors, therefore, aim to maintain the body and well-being.
Disciplines that require too much energy are often abandoned after the age of 60. The choices of older people fluctuate between:
- gentle and safe exercises that may evoke old age for some people,
- The desire to make an effort despite the fear of the risk of injury and fatigue.
Regularity is favored over a variety of physical activities. Trying new sports is becoming rarer.
What are the 5 favorite sports of seniors?
gentle gymnastics
A person who has not practiced sport for a long time can start again with a gentle gym class.
You should start slowly and gradually. Gentle exercise is ideal for muscle strengthening, joint flexibility, and general well-being because it helps relieve pain.
Often perceived as a less dynamic sport, gentle gymnastics offers multiple health benefits. In the Pilates version, it works the core muscles, breathing, and balance. Two hours per week, at a rate of 30 to 40 minutes per session, can achieve results, but the goal must be adapted to each individual’s pace and desires.
the bike
Cycling is a popular activity in retirement.
Seniors often owned bicycles as children and are happy to get back on the saddle for group or individual sports and leisure activities. Thanks to cycle paths, commuting by bike for a run becomes much safer.
When looking for ways to practice gentle endurance activities, cycling allows you to modulate your heart rate by pedaling at your own pace and, if necessary, using electric assistance. A 2019 English study, not yet translated into French, highlighted the positive effects of cycling on cognitive function and well-being as people age.
swimming
In contact with water, physical condition can improve sustainably.
Swimming brings two interesting benefits as we age: the first is a relaxing effect thanks to the release of endorphins, the second concerns the respect of the joints since there is no impact on the ground. The effort is greater in the water than in the air but in weightlessness, the feeling is less. Aquagym offers gymnastic movements in the water. A person who suffers from osteoarthritis will find the exercises much easier.
The walk
Simple walking, sporty, Nordic, hiking, there is something for everyone.
Walking helps maintain fitness and prevent the onset of certain diseases. This activity is recommended for seniors of all ages. Regularity is more important than duration. Setting achievable goals helps you persevere. The body needs mobility: a sedentary lifestyle is harmful to both physical and mental health. It is simply recommended to choose walking as much as possible for getting around. This is at the heart of gentle mobility concerns.
YOGA
Yoga is becoming increasingly popular among those aged 50 and over, often women.
There are classes designed for seniors. Yoga nidra, for example, helps people regain sleep, which can be affected by the years. Postures that require proper body alignment and coordination are very beneficial, as maintaining balance with age is essential for preventing falls. Some poses are accessible to beginners, who will gradually build muscle mass, flexibility, and stability.
Is sport possible for seniors even at an advanced age?
Yes, of course, by being lucid and pragmatic, to reap the benefits.
We are all affected by aging, but not necessarily at the same time. Sports and physical activity have no age limit if you adapt your practice to your fitness and health. Before resuming, it’s best to seek advice on exercise and physical strength for seniors. If you’re unsure about the right way to practice, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a physical activity coach adapted to the needs of this age group.
The online platform ResterJeune.com, which specializes in sports, health, and wellness for those over 50, is perfect for anyone looking to exercise at home and avoid crowded gyms or classes.
This comprehensive program of courses and advice allows you to
- work the cardiovascular system,
- strengthen muscle mass and breathing,
- gain flexibility,
- train balance,
- lose weight by combining exercise sessions with a balanced diet,
- relieve pathologies (shoulders, hips, knees) with specific exercises.
Discover this online sports club for free by participating in the challenges offered regularly.
So, don’t be sedentary! Your body rusts, your muscles stiffen! Too many young seniors still don’t get enough exercise and don’t anticipate the years to come!
