Older adults are at a higher risk for serious coronavirus complications, yet they still need to stay active and get exercise. Functional fitness is exercise that trains the body for everyday activities important to maintain a quality of  life. This includes walking, standing up from a seated position and getting up off the floor on your own — with and without using your hands.

Not getting enough exercise can lead to higher risks for stroke or heart attack, and fitness can help with cognition issues and prevent Type 2 diabetes. Movement is also essential for arthritis patients to retain the range of motion of joints and limit pain.

It is recommended that older adults engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes 3 or more days per week. Exercise in one chunk or split into smaller pieces. like getting some movement in during a commercial break on television.

 Below are tips to maintain fitness while following stay-at-home recommendations.

1. Silver&Fit on-line workout programs are free and last about 30 minutes. You can watch recorded and live workouts.
   Silver&Fit (Youtube) and facebook.com/SilverandFit. Livestreams different workouts every weekday at 10 a.m. on Facebook or Youtube.

1. Silver Sneakers-Access these on-line workouts with your participating Medicare plan Tools.silversneakers.com and facebook.com/silversneakers. Free for those with participating Medicare plans, Silver Sneakers provides workouts through its app, website and Facebook videos and livestreams.

1. Moving to Music

Simply move to your favorite music occasionally to practice getting a full range of motion, be it through dancing or light activity. 

“You’re going to naturally get into a flow all on your own. It won’t cause any pain or strain. It’s a good low-impact option to keep older people active.

1. Keep Walking Inside at Home

If seniors feel that going outside for a walk while wearing a mask and gloves is too unsafe, do laps around the house, climb stairs or create a home obstacle course with dining-room chairs,etc.to accelerate the pace and intensity. 

5. Standing/Marching-Use commercial breaks to stand, stretch and march in place.Make sure to move your arms.