Fun and easy ways to stay fit over-50

How often are you exercising? According to Better Health Victoria, only 10 per cent of Australians over the age of 50 exercise regularly enough to see any real health benefits. It has been estimated that nearly half of the physical decline associated with aging is related to a lack of physical activity. The good news is, the human body responds to exercise at any age, so it’s never too late to get fit. There are many health benefits associated with regular physical activity, such as the reduced risk of bone loss and osteoporosis, quicker recovery from illness, improved cognitive function and mental health.

Staying fit doesn’t mean gruelling hour-long gym sessions or high-intensity training. In fact, all it takes is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days to improve your overall health over the age of 50. Here are some fun ways to get fit no matter your current fitness level:

Walking: Walking can help improve cardiovascular health, lower bone density and is an excellent way to reduce and control your weight. Walking can be done solo or in groups and is a great exercise for people of all fitness levels. Some GemLife resorts have social walking clubs, where residents come together for fun, social morning walks before catching-up over a good cuppa.

Water aerobics: Water aerobics classes are on offer at select GemLife resorts in our indoor magnesium therapy pools, designed to help relieve alleviate aches and pains and soothe your skin. Water aerobics is an excellent no-impact way to build your fitness level while having fun with friends. The classes focus on balance, strength, stability, mobility and coordination.

Lawn bowls: GemLife resorts are equipped with state-of-the-art championship bowling greens, so there’s no need to pay expensive membership fees or travel to other clubs. Lawn bowling is a fun and social way to improve your fitness and coordination. Lawn bowling is perfect for those looking for something competitive or those in pursuit of a fun social activity to do with friends. 

Dancing: Whether it’s a secret boogie in your living room to your favourite songs, or perfecting choreography at a dance lesson in one of our resorts’ spacious ballrooms, dancing is a great way to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing without feeling like it’s a chore.

Golf: Whether it be at a nearby golf club or at a golf simulator in GemLife’s resorts’ country club, golfing is a fun way to stay fit and improve muscle tone and endurance.

Travel: GemLife homes are designed with a lock-up and go lifestyle in-mind. Our secure, gated communities with and boat and caravan storage available, make it easy to hit the road when adventure calls, without having to think twice about home maintenance and safety. Whether it’s a trek through Europe or a road trip across Australia that you’re after, GemLife’s got you covered. 

Most importantly, make sure you’re doing something that you enjoy. The best way to ensure you’re exercising regularly is to pick activities that you find fun. GemLife’s luxury over-50s lifestyle resorts boast extensive, first-class recreational and sporting facilities designed to support a fit and active lifestyle. Resort facilities typically include a pool with a spa, fully equipped gym, ten-pin bowling alley, tennis, bocce and pickleball courts, lawn bowling green, ballroom and a range of classes and clubs. Exercise should be something that you look forward to, not a chore. What are you waiting for? Get moving!