Finding Your Why to Exercise When You Are Over 60: How to Stay Active, Healthy, and Happy

Have you ever wondered why some older adults are so active and energetic, while others seem to have given up on exercise and healthy living altogether?

Well, I can tell you from experience that it all comes down to finding your ‘why’ – your motivation, your purpose, your passion for staying fit and healthy regardless of the challenges that come with getting older.

Finding your ‘why’ to exercise is so important because it helps you set realistic goals and create a plan that you can stick to.

Your ‘why’ could be anything from just wanting to improve your overall health to wanting to look good and get out on the dance floor at your kids or grandkids upcoming wedding.

Whatever your why is, it should be personal and meaningful to you.

For me, it is being able to keep up with my 5 grandsons.

Your ‘why’ will be the thing that will push you to stick with your exercise routine and make it a part of your daily life.

So, if you’re over 60 and want to start exercising, start by taking some time to find your ‘why’.  Be sure to write it down and keep it somewhere you can see it every day. Use it as motivation to get moving and take care of your body.

It’s never too late to start exercising and improve your health.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to discover and nurture your why, and how to use it to stay active, healthy, and happy for years to come.

Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults

As I’ve gotten older, I realize more and more how important it is to stay active and healthy.

Exercise has always been an important part of my life but like many people, I have fallen off the exercise wagon a time or two.  This was either due to an injury, lack of motivation or just life.

It has always been my ‘why’ that brought me back to my exercise routine.  After I return to exercising, I always notice a huge improvement in my physical and mental health.

Here are a few physical and mental health benefits of routine workouts.

Health Benefits

Regular exercise can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

It can also help to improve your bone density, balance, and flexibility, which are super important as we age to prevent falls and injuries.

Exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight – who doesn’t want that!

Regular exercise has also been shown to boost your immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health.

There are also studies that have shown people over the age of 60 who performed 30 minutes of exercise every day had fewer Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers.

Mental Wellbeing

Exercise also has a positive impact on mental health.

It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve cognitive function. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, and can also improve sleep quality, which is important for your overall health.

Exercise also gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which is helpful for maintaining a positive outlook on life.

If you exercise at a gym or do group exercise such as Zumba, cycling or running it can also help improve social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Finding Your Why to Exercise

It’s so important to have a clear understanding of why you want to exercise.

Finding your why to exercise can help you stay motivated and committed to your exercise routine, especially as you age.

Here are some tips to help you discover your personal ‘why’.

Identifying Your Motivations

The first step in finding your personal ‘why’ is to identify what motivates you or what matters most to you in your life.

Why do you want to exercise? Is it to improve your health, lose weight, stay independent or feel more energized and look your best?

Maybe you want to be able to keep up with your grandkids like me or just be more active during retirement.

Whatever your motivation is, write it down and keep it where you will see it often.

Once you pinpoint your why – you can use it to motivate and inspire your exercise routine.

Setting Your Goals

Once you’ve identified your motivations, it’s time to set your goals.

Make sure you set SMART goals –

• S – specific – sensible and simple
• M – measurable – motivates you and is meaningful to you.
• A – achievable – attainable
• R – relevant – reasonable and realistic.
• T – time-Bound – time sensitive.

So, instead of saying something like “I want to be healthier,” be more specific – consider something like – I want to lower my blood pressure, improve my cholesterol levels, maybe lose 20 pounds or be able to walk 5 miles without stopping. 

Then give it a time frame maybe – over the next 6 months or whatever is realistic for you.   

All 4 of these examples are specific, can be measured, they are also achievable and realistic and have a specific time frame.

This gives you a clear target to work towards and helps you track your progress.

Tips for Creating Your Perfect Exercise Plan

As an older adult, it’s important to create an exercise plan that fits your needs and abilities.

Exercise as we age may look different than it did when we were 30, 40 or even 50.  I know that my exercise routine has changed several times over the years.

Here are some tips to help you create a plan that works for you.

Choosing the Right Activities

Choosing the right activities to include in your exercise plan is so important.

You need to find things that you will enjoy so that you look forward to doing it and you stick with it.

Here are a few great options for older adults:

• Brisk walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Weightlifting
• Pilates
• Dancing
• Yoga
• Tai Chi

These activities are low-impact and can be modified for your specific needs and abilities.

Balancing Intensity and Safety

When making an exercise plan, it’s important to balance intensity and safety. You want to challenge yourself, but not to the point of exhaustion, fatigue or injury.

Here are some tips to help you find the right balance:

• Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
• Listen to your body and take breaks when you need to.
• Warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards.
• Use proper form and technique to avoid injury.
• Incorporate balance and flexibility exercises to help keep you moving and prevent falls.

It’s also important to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

By choosing the right activities and balancing intensity and safety, you can create an exercise plan that works for you and helps you achieve your fitness goals.

Remember to take it slow, listen to your body, and have fun!

Staying Motivated

As someone over 60, it can be tough to find the motivation to exercise.

Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:

Building a Routine

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to build a routine. This could mean scheduling your exercise at the same time every day, or on certain days of the week.

By making exercise a regular part of your day, it becomes easier to stick with it.

You could also try tracking your progress in a journal or using a fitness app to help you stay accountable.

Find the Perfect Exercises for You

Another key to finding your motivation is to try different types of exercise and see what works best for your body, mind, and lifestyle.

Some older adults love the energy and excitement of group classes like Zumba or dance, while others prefer the calming and meditative effects of tai chi, yoga or Pilates.

Then there are those people who just enjoy the simplicity and convenience of walking, cycling, or swimming.

Which one are you?

The key is to find something that you enjoy and that makes you feel good, and makes you want to come back for more.  This way you will gradually build up your stamina and strength over time.

Finding Support

Another way to stay motivated is to find support. This could mean exercising with a friend, family member, personal trainer or joining a fitness class.

Finding someone who can encourage you, hold you accountable, and challenge you to reach your goals can make all the difference.

In fact, some studies have shown that seniors who exercise with a partner or group are more likely to stick to their routine and enjoy better health outcomes than those who go it alone.

Overcoming Common Hurdles

When it comes to exercising, there are a few common hurdles that can make it challenging to stay motivated.

But don’t worry, with a little creativity and determination, you can overcome these obstacles and find your why to exercise over 60.

Addressing Health Concerns

If you have health concerns, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

They can help you determine what types of exercises are safe for you and if needed how to modify exercises to meet your needs.

You might also consider working with a personal trainer who has experience of working with older adults.

They can be extremely helpful in developing a workout plan that is tailored to your specific needs and abilities.

Dealing with Lack of Time

If you’re struggling to find time to exercise, try breaking up your workouts into shorter sessions throughout the day.

For example, you could take a 10-minute walk in the morning, do some stretching during your lunch break, and then take another 10-minute walk in the evening.

Another option is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. For example, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator or park farther away from the store so you have to walk farther.

Conclusion

Finding your why to exercise when you are over 60 is all about discovering what matters most to you, trying new things, building a support network, and embracing the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.

By following these tips and strategies, you can stay fit, strong, and happy for many years to come.

So why wait? Get moving, find your why, and enjoy all the great benefits that exercise can bring.