For many older adults (and younger ones, too), the summer heat and humidity are enough to spark an extended vacation from exercise and fitness. The residents of John Knox Village of Central Florida take a different approach. When the heat is on, they turn it up.
Talina Hendrickson, fitness coordinator for our Central Florida senior living community, has witnessed the energy firsthand, and she’s constantly inspired by the tenacity of our residents. “They literally come every single day. I have people who have been with me since day one, and they’re still coming to class at 96 years old,” she says. “One 94-year-old walks everywhere and still rides her bike around the village. She takes my dance class, and she shakes it. It’s a true testament to the fact that the longer you stay active, the longer you’re going to be here. That’s just the way it is.”
To help seniors at John Knox Village stay active, fit, and cool during the summer, regardless of how high the temperatures may climb, Talina has put together some tips for summer wellness.
Play indoors.
John Knox Village offers the best of both worlds. Our beautiful tree-lined campus provides the perfect setting for enjoying Central Florida’s sunshine-filled days outdoors. But when the heat kicks in or the afternoon showers rain on your parade, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep active.
“Since we have two different fitness centers, I’m always encouraging residents to stay cool in the summer indoors. I teach 30 group classes a week and one-on-one training in the afternoons,” Talina says. “Plus, there are several resident-run classes and programs like daily Tai Chi. The calendar probably has close to 50 classes a week, so there are plenty of ways for seniors to stay active and fit. Or, if group classes aren’t their thing, they can walk in the gym or between buildings. Anything to just keep moving.”
Residents of The Fountains apartments don’t even have to venture outdoors to take advantage of all John Knox Village has to offer. All the fitness classes, community amenities, and dining venues are just a short (indoor) walk away—no sunscreen or umbrellas required.
Take a dip.
When the heat is on, the only thing better than having a crystal-clear pool to cool off in is having two. The residents of John Knox Village are doubly blessed, since our pools are open year-round from dusk till dawn. But for most of our seniors, it’s not just about floating in our pools or dipping their toes in the water. These folks are getting their workout. “Last year we started a summer aqua class in the big pool at the clubhouse, and that turned out to be a gigantic success,” Talina says. “I had to cap the class at 30 because we couldn’t fit any more in the pool, but it was super fun. And we’re doing it again this year, but instead of just using noodles, I’m going to challenge them a bit by adding water weights.”
Aquatic workouts are a great way for seniors to stay cool while getting the benefits of water resistance for muscle tone and heart health. Talina emphasizes just how therapeutic being in the water is for the body. “If you’re in pain, as soon as you get in, you feel instant relief. I highly recommend walking back and forth, doing laps, bicep curls, leg extensions—anything you think you can’t do on machines, you can probably do in the water. Even walking laps is a great starting point,” she says.
Time it right.
The safest (and most comfortable) times to be outdoors during the summer months are early in the morning and later in the evening. With daylight saving time, longer days mean earlier sunrises and later sunsets. So you’ll start to see residents out playing pickleball, walking through the village, or doing their normal cardio at around 7:30 in the morning instead of 9:00.
With so many fur babies in our pet-friendly senior living community, it’s not unusual to see owners and their pups getting their steps in during early morning strolls. These walks are a great way for both to get their days started on the right foot (or paw) and boost their activity and mood.
Lighten up.
When you dress lighter, you typically feel lighter and have more energy. Loose-fitting clothing that’s light in color and material can help keep you feeling cool—and make you more motivated to keep moving. Choose naturally breathable cotton clothing instead of anything made from synthetic fibers. And be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas if you’re going outdoors.
Thinking light is also a good idea when it comes to your diet. When it’s really hot and sticky outside, you may not feel like eating anything heavy, but it’s important to get your nutrients and keep up your strength. Eat light meals consisting of lean meats, healthy proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Talina is constantly encouraging residents to drink at least six glasses of water every day, especially when it’s hot outside.
“They’re always cramping—especially in their calves, and nine out of 10 times it’s because they’re dehydrated,” she explains. “It usually happens in the middle of the night, so one of the home remedies I recommend for leg cramping is keeping a little shot of pickle juice near their bed. It really works. Another thing I tell them is to eat half of a banana to keep potassium levels up (a whole banana provides too much starch).”
Keep cool and carry on.
Staying active helps maintain mobility and balance, boosts heart health, and improves overall wellness in older adults. And these benefits don’t stop during the summer months. Things are already heating up at John Knox Village, but our residents aren’t slowing down—and neither is Talina. On May 23, she put together our very first triathlon that included a swimmer, a biker, and a walker/runner. And she’s already planning ways to keep residents active and engaged come fall. “We’re going to try to put a frisbee golf program together,” Talina shares. “That’s the newest craze, like pickleball when it started, and we can see how that really took off. Then in November, we’ll finish with our Turkey Trot.”
To learn more about all the ways to stay active year-round or to plan a visit to our beautiful Central Florida senior living community, give us a call at 386-775-0788.