{"id":47916,"date":"2022-12-22T13:24:14","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T13:24:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=47916"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"swimming-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming For Seniors: 10 Reasons Why It Might Be The Best Exercise"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#1_Support_For_Aging_Joints\" >1. Support For Aging Joints<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#2_Improved_Flexibility_And_Range_Of_Motion\" >2. Improved Flexibility And Range Of Motion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#3_Weight_Loss_And_Maintenance\" >3. Weight Loss And Maintenance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#4_Improved_Cardiovascular_Health\" >4. Improved Cardiovascular Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#5_Better_Balance_And_Posture\" >5. Better Balance And Posture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#6_Better_Sleep_Quality\" >6. Better Sleep Quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#7_Reduced_Risk_Of_Osteoporosis\" >7. Reduced Risk Of Osteoporosis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#8_Mental_Health_Boost\" >8. Mental Health Boost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#9_Slowing_Down_Muscle_Loss\" >9. Slowing Down Muscle Loss<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#10_Combating_Menopause_Symptoms\" >10. Combating Menopause Symptoms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#Swimming_Or_Weight_Training_Which_Is_Best_For_Seniors\" >Swimming Or Weight Training, Which Is Best For Seniors?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#Which_Type_Of_Swimming_Is_Best_For_Seniors\" >Which Type Of Swimming Is Best For Seniors?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#How_Can_Seniors_Safely_And_Effectively_Exercise_In_The_Pool\" >How Can Seniors Safely And Effectively Exercise In The Pool?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#The_Right_Swimming_Pool_Temperature_For_Seniors\" >The Right Swimming Pool Temperature For Seniors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#The_Right_Pool_Depth\" >The Right Pool Depth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#The_Right_Gear\" >The Right Gear<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#The_Right_Exercise\" >The Right Exercise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#The_Right_Fuel\" >The Right Fuel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#Rest_And_Recovery\" >Rest And Recovery<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the most sedentary person starts to look into exercise as they get older. For many, being strong enough to maintain independence and live an active life is the primary goal. Others will look beyond that and strive to remain as healthy, fit, and youthful as possible.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thankfully there are many possible exercises for seniors to choose from for health maintenance, for strength, and for mobility. Swimming is an excellent choice for seniors, as it offers a wide range of health benefits.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we&#8217;ll explore the science-backed benefits of swimming as a form of exercise for seniors, and discuss how to get started safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=1453&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Swimming_For_Seniors\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Support_For_Aging_Joints\"><\/span><strong>1. Support For Aging Joints<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A decline in joint health is a common experience among seniors (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/004015.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This is because the connective tissues around joints begin to fray and break down as they get older. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and bursitis can all be exacerbated by certain forms of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swim-workouts-for-beginners\/\">exercise<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swimming is a great option for seniors because it provides the opportunity to exercise without putting extra strain on joints. The water&#8217;s buoyancy takes much of the weight off, reducing physical stress on joints. In fact, a 2016 study found that swimming was a safe and effective way to reduce pain in seniors with osteoarthritis (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26773104\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Improved_Flexibility_And_Range_Of_Motion\"><\/span><strong>2. Improved Flexibility And Range Of Motion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common misconception about flexibility is that it&#8217;s only important for athletes. Flexibility is equally if not more important for seniors, as lack of mobility can reduce quality of life and increase the risk of falls and injuries (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/news\/maintaining-mobility-and-preventing-disability-are-key-living-independently-we-age\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swimming regularly can help seniors stay more flexible and maintain an excellent range of motion in their joints. That&#8217;s because each swim stroke requires a different range of motion, which stretches and strengthens the muscles around the joints (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19960351\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Weight_Loss_And_Maintenance\"><\/span><strong>3. Weight Loss And Maintenance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obesity among seniors is a growing concern, and carrying extra weight can increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/weight-management\/adult-overweight-obesity\/health-risks#:~:text=Obesity%20raises%20the%20risk%20of,disease%20and%20quicken%20its%20progress.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many seniors are unable to participate in more vigorous forms of exercise. Swimming, however, is an excellent way to burn calories and shed excess fat (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4106774\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Depending on intensity, a 30-minute session of swimming can burn anywhere between 130\u2013310 calories for an average adult. Consistently swimming can help seniors keep their weight in check and improve metabolic health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Improved_Cardiovascular_Health\"><\/span><strong>4. Improved Cardiovascular Health<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swimming is one of the best exercises for <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swim-workout-for-triathlon\/\">cardio health<\/a> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4000940\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). That&#8217;s because it combines both aerobic and anaerobic activity, which allows the heart to increase its rate without putting too much stress on it. As a result, seniors can improve their cardiovascular capacity and reduce the risk of heart disease with regular <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/exercise-to-lower-cholesterol\/\">swimming<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, one study found that swimming twice a week for 8 weeks led to improved blood pressure and heart rate in seniors with hypertension. Further, by strengthening the muscles in and around the heart, swimming can help seniors recover from cardiac events more quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=1453&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Swimming_For_Seniors\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-29345 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/7-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"swimming for seniors\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/7-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/7-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/7-2.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/7-2-1636x920.jpg 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/7-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Better_Balance_And_Posture\"><\/span><strong>5. Better Balance And Posture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balance and posture can be especially difficult to maintain for seniors. Poor balance is often the cause for falls and other injuries in older adults. And poor posture results in back pain, neck pain, and a decrease in physical performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thankfully, swimming can help with both of these issues. The resistance of the water helps improve muscle strength and posture (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6888232\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Plus, regularly transitioning between different strokes can help strengthen the muscles around the hips and core, both of which are essential for maintaining <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-workout-plan\/\">balance<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Read More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/beginner-swim-sets\/\"><i>Beginner Swim Sets: Everything You Need To Know To Get Started<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Better_Sleep_Quality\"><\/span><strong>6. Better Sleep Quality<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some changes that come with aging, like hormonal shifts or increased pain, can interfere with sleep. But research suggests that swimming can improve both the length and quality of sleep in seniors. Indeed, exercise helps the body transition more easily into restful sleep at night (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/exercising-for-better-sleep\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, the endorphins released during exercise can help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3632802\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), which can contribute to better sleep. If you&#8217;re having trouble sleeping, a few laps in the pool might be just what you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Reduced_Risk_Of_Osteoporosis\"><\/span><strong>7. Reduced Risk Of Osteoporosis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we grow older, our bones naturally become more fragile. A combination of diet, exercise, and supplements can help keep bones strong and reduce the risk of osteoporosis (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26773104\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Swimming is an excellent way to strengthen bones, as it puts a low amount of stress on the joints while still providing resistance. Studies have found that swimming can increase bone density in both men and women, and reduce the risk of fractures. This is especially true for seniors who may not be able to partake in weight-bearing activities like <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/running-while-overweight\/\">running<\/a> or jumping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Mental_Health_Boost\"><\/span><strong>8. Mental Health Boost<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seniors&#8217; mental health is just as important as their <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stretching-for-swimmers\/\">physical health<\/a>. Anxiety about aging, chronic pain, and isolation can all take a toll on their emotional wellbeing. But swimming can be an excellent way to combat these issues (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3541603\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin, which are two neurotransmitters that help reduce stress and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a plus, the social interaction that comes with swimming in a group or with friends can help reduce feelings of loneliness. And the sense of accomplishment from mastering a new stroke or increasing speed can provide seniors with an extra boost of confidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Slowing_Down_Muscle_Loss\"><\/span><strong>9. Slowing Down Muscle Loss<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sarcopenia, aka muscle loss, is a natural part of the aging <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/yoga-for-weight-lifters\/\">process<\/a>. But swimming can help combat this by encouraging seniors to use their muscles regularly (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5830901\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). With each stroke, the muscles must work to propel the body through the water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This helps build muscle strength and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries. Aerobic activity like swimming helps increase the body&#8217;s endurance, which can be especially beneficial for seniors who may have difficulty with other forms of exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=1453&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Swimming_For_Seniors\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-29316 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/3-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"swimming for seniors\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/3-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/3-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/3-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/3-1-1636x920.jpg 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/3-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Combating_Menopause_Symptoms\"><\/span><strong>10. Combating Menopause Symptoms<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Menopause often comes with uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Brain fog, mood swings, and low libido can also interfere with day-to-day life. Studies have found that regular exercise like swimming can help reduce the severity of these symptoms and make the transition easier (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6722698\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In part, this is due to the endorphins released during <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/womens-gym-bag-essentials\/\">exercise<\/a> that help regulate hormones. Swimming can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality, which can also help ease menopause-related issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe app will provide you with a host of fat-frying fitness routines that\u2019ll scare the extra pounds away and turn your body into a masterpiece! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=1453&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Swimming_For_Seniors\">Get your life moving in the right direction<\/a> with BetterMe!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swimming_Or_Weight_Training_Which_Is_Best_For_Seniors\"><\/span><strong>Swimming Or Weight Training, Which Is Best For Seniors?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer to this question is not a simple one, as both swimming and weight training offer their own benefits. Swimming is a low-impact activity that provides resistance while being gentle on the joints. This makes it an excellent exercise for seniors who may not be able to partake in other forms of exercise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, weight training is also beneficial for seniors, as it helps build strength and bone density. Ultimately, the best type of exercise for seniors will depend on their individual needs and abilities. Speak with your doctor or a physical therapist to determine the best course of action.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Type_Of_Swimming_Is_Best_For_Seniors\"><\/span><strong>Which Type Of Swimming Is Best For Seniors?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are four basic types of water <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/running-signs-of-overtraining\/\">exercises<\/a> that may be beneficial for seniors:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Water resistance exercises <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; these exercises use the natural resistance of water to challenge and strengthen muscles.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aerobic exercises &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> swimming or walking in chest-deep water can help boost the heart rate and increase aerobic endurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Balance exercises &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> activities like walking in shallow water or standing on a floatation device can help seniors improve their balance, coordination, and stability.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flexibility exercises <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; stretching in the pool can help seniors improve their range of motion and flexibility.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_Seniors_Safely_And_Effectively_Exercise_In_The_Pool\"><\/span><strong>How Can Seniors Safely And Effectively Exercise In The Pool?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are some safety tips to keep in mind when <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/lose-weight-in-a-month\/\">exercising<\/a> in the pool:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Right_Swimming_Pool_Temperature_For_Seniors\"><\/span><strong>The Right Swimming Pool Temperature For Seniors<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ideal pool temperature for seniors is between 86 and 92 degrees. This is warmer than a typical public pool and helps keep the body warm while exercising. Keeping the season in mind, you may need to adjust the temperature accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Right_Pool_Depth\"><\/span><strong>The Right Pool Depth<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For most activities, a pool that is at least five feet deep should be used. This allows the body to be completely submerged while exercising so that seniors can benefit from the natural resistance of the water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Read More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-vs-running\/\"><i>Swimming Vs Running: Pros, Cons, And Which One Is Right For You<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=1453&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Swimming_For_Seniors\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-29305 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/10-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"swimming for seniors\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/10-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/10-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/10-1.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/10-1.png 1344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Right_Gear\"><\/span><strong>The Right Gear<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swimming caps, goggles, and even flotation devices are all useful pieces of equipment for seniors. This helps them feel more comfortable in the water and to get the most out of their workout.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Right_Exercise\"><\/span><strong>The Right Exercise<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to exercise, seniors should focus on activities that are low-impact and that involve the entire body. Swimming, water walking, and water aerobics are all excellent options for seniors. It&#8217;s always best to work with a certified professional when exercising in the pool. They can help seniors find an appropriate workout that is tailored to their needs and abilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Right_Fuel\"><\/span><strong>The Right Fuel<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fueling up before and after swimming is just as important for seniors as it is for any other athlete. A balanced meal high in complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and vitamins will help to replenish energy levels and keep muscles strong. Meals should be eaten at least one hour before swimming to prevent discomfort during exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydration is also key. Seniors should be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after their workout to stay hydrated and prevent muscle cramps and fatigue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rest_And_Recovery\"><\/span><strong>Rest And Recovery<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Seniors should also be sure to take rest days in between workouts. This will give the body time to recover and help prevent injury or overtraining. On rest days, seniors should focus on relaxing activities such as yoga, gentle stretching, or meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting enough sleep is part of the recovery process and should be prioritized.\u00a0 Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to get the most out of your workouts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Betterme will keep you laser-focused on your weight loss journey! Nutrient-packed meal plans, fat-blasting workouts, galvanizing challenges and much more. <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=1453&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Swimming_For_Seniors\">Try using the app and see<\/a> for yourself!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swimming for seniors is a great way to stay fit and active. Working with a professional will help you find the best type of swimming for your individual needs, so that you can enjoy the many benefits of this low-impact exercise. Remember to focus on safety, nutrition, and rest to get the most out of your time in the pool.<\/span><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=1453&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Swimming_For_Seniors\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Even the most sedentary person starts to look into exercise as they get older. For many, being strong enough to maintain independence and live an active life is the primary goal. Others will look beyond that and strive to remain as healthy, fit, and youthful as possible.\u00a0Thankfully there are many possible exercises for seniors to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47917,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"coauthors":[123],"class_list":["post-47916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-betterme-fitness"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Swimming For Seniors: 10 Reasons Why It Might Be The Best Exercise - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u2605 SWIMMING IS A GREAT WAY \u27a4 to stay active and healthy no matter your age. With the right precautions, seniors can enjoy the many benefits of swimming, including improved strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Swimming For Seniors: 10 Reasons Why It Might Be The Best Exercise\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u2605 SWIMMING IS A GREAT WAY \u27a4 to stay active and healthy no matter your age. With the right precautions, seniors can enjoy the many benefits of swimming, including improved strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1607988568-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Nderitu Munuhe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Nderitu Munuhe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/0bbf5e41f952f095a5669633cf0d6718\"},\"headline\":\"Swimming For Seniors: 10 Reasons Why It Might Be The Best Exercise\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/\"},\"wordCount\":1836,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1607988568-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Fitness\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Even the most sedentary person starts to look into exercise as they get older. For many, being strong enough to maintain independence and live an active life is the primary goal. Others will look beyond that and strive to remain as healthy, fit, and youthful as possible.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Thankfully there are many possible exercises for seniors to choose from for health maintenance, for strength, and for mobility. Swimming is an excellent choice for seniors, as it offers a wide range of health benefits.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">In this article, we'll explore the science-backed benefits of swimming as a form of exercise for seniors, and discuss how to get started safely.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n<h2><strong>1. Support For Aging Joints<\/strong><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">A decline in joint health is a common experience among seniors (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/004015.htm\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). This is because the connective tissues around joints begin to fray and break down as they get older. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and bursitis can all be exacerbated by certain forms of <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swim-workouts-for-beginners\/\\\">exercise<\/a>.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Swimming is a great option for seniors because it provides the opportunity to exercise without putting extra strain on joints. The water's buoyancy takes much of the weight off, reducing physical stress on joints. In fact, a 2016 study found that swimming was a safe and effective way to reduce pain in seniors with osteoarthritis (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26773104\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">).\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n<h2><strong>2. 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With the right precautions, seniors can enjoy the many benefits of swimming, including improved strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Swimming For Seniors: 10 Reasons Why It Might Be The Best Exercise","og_description":"\u2605 SWIMMING IS A GREAT WAY \u27a4 to stay active and healthy no matter your age. With the right precautions, seniors can enjoy the many benefits of swimming, including improved strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_author":"#","article_modified_time":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1607988568-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Nderitu Munuhe","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Nderitu Munuhe","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/"},"author":{"name":"BetterMe","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/0bbf5e41f952f095a5669633cf0d6718"},"headline":"Swimming For Seniors: 10 Reasons Why It Might Be The Best Exercise","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/"},"wordCount":1836,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1607988568-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["Fitness"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the most sedentary person starts to look into exercise as they get older. For many, being strong enough to maintain independence and live an active life is the primary goal. Others will look beyond that and strive to remain as healthy, fit, and youthful as possible.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thankfully there are many possible exercises for seniors to choose from for health maintenance, for strength, and for mobility. Swimming is an excellent choice for seniors, as it offers a wide range of health benefits.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we'll explore the science-backed benefits of swimming as a form of exercise for seniors, and discuss how to get started safely.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>1. Support For Aging Joints<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A decline in joint health is a common experience among seniors (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/004015.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This is because the connective tissues around joints begin to fray and break down as they get older. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and bursitis can all be exacerbated by certain forms of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swim-workouts-for-beginners\/\">exercise<\/a>.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swimming is a great option for seniors because it provides the opportunity to exercise without putting extra strain on joints. The water's buoyancy takes much of the weight off, reducing physical stress on joints. In fact, a 2016 study found that swimming was a safe and effective way to reduce pain in seniors with osteoarthritis (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26773104\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2><strong>2. Improved Flexibility And Range Of Motion<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common misconception about flexibil ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/","name":"Swimming For Seniors: 10 Reasons Why It Might Be The Best Exercise - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/swimming-for-seniors\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1607988568-scaled.jpg","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","description":"\u2605 SWIMMING IS A GREAT WAY \u27a4 to stay active and healthy no matter your age. 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