Water exercises for seniors have long been recognized as one of the most effective ways to stay active while aging. While traditional exercise can be challenging for older adults with joint pain or mobility issues, aquatic exercises offer a gentle yet effective alternative. Whether the goal is to improve balance, build strength, or recover from injury, aquatic therapy benefits make it an ideal choice for staying active.
“Exercising in water allows seniors to get the results they need in a low-impact, low-weight-bearing way,” says Lynda Marino, Marketing Director at Canterbury Woods. “Our residents have less stress on their joints, but they’re continually strengthening because the water provides a constant resistance to work against. We’ve found that our residents who experience joint pain can exercise successfully and feel better through the use of aquatic therapy.”
When performing aquatic exercises, seniors experience up to 90% reduction in body weight. In the deep water up to neck level, the body experiences only about 15 pounds of compressive force, making pool exercises for older adults an excellent choice for those with joint pain or limited range of motion.
“Aquatic fitness and therapy are an integral part of health and wellness here at Canterbury Woods Williamsville,” says Lynda. “Our state-of-the-art fitness center features a heated pool and spa and provides numerous classes to help you improve your strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility and balance – all while having fun. The health and wellness of our residents is of utmost importance, and we strive to make it easy and enjoyable to attain a high quality of life.”
Key Aquatic Therapy Benefits for Older Adults:
- Fall Prevention Through Better Balance: Using the sides of the pool for support, seniors can safely practice exercises to improve balance. The water’s constant resistance helps strengthen core muscles essential for stability. Exercises like leg lifts and flutter kicks in the shallow end of the pool help build the strength needed for daily activities while minimizing fall risks.
- Safe Exercise for Those With Bone Health Concerns: For older adults with osteoporosis, aquatic exercises provide a safe environment for building strength. The warm water supports gentle movements that improve range of motion without risking injury. Using water weights and working against the water’s natural resistance helps build bone density and muscle strength while staying active in a protected environment.
- Effective Weight Management: Water aerobics for seniors is particularly effective for weight management. Exercises performed in deep water can burn significantly more calories than similar land-based activities. Simple activities like water walking in the shallow end of the pool or performing leg lifts while holding the sides of the pool provide excellent cardiovascular benefits and help maintain a healthy heart rate.
- Enhanced Overall Health Outcomes: Regular aquatic exercises contribute to better health outcomes for older adults. The combination of cardio activities and resistance training in warm water helps manage conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Flutter kicks, water walking, and other aquatic therapy benefits include improved circulation and enhanced immune system function.
- Natural Pressure Benefits: The hydrostatic pressure of water, especially in deep water exercises, naturally reduces joint pain and inflammation. When performing aquatic exercises in warm water, seniors experience improved joint mobility and better circulation. This makes it easier to increase their range of motion while staying comfortable throughout their workout.
- Improved Mental Health: Many older adults find that water aerobics for seniors provides more than just physical benefits. The social aspect of group classes, combined with the ability to exercise without joint pain, creates a positive environment. Regular participation in aquatic exercises helps maintain both physical and mental well-being, leading to better overall quality of life.
- Enjoyable Fitness Experience: Unlike traditional exercise programs that might cause discomfort, water exercises for seniors offer a fun, social way to staying active. From water walking to upper body strengthening exercises using water weights, the variety of activities keeps participants engaged. The warm water environment makes it comfortable to exercise year-round, encouraging consistent attendance and better fitness outcomes.
An Essential Part of Health and Wellness
Lynda says that the aquatic center at Canterbury Woods Williamsville has greatly helped improve the lives of their residents, both directly and indirectly. “Our activities team does a great job of providing engaging and fun classes in the pool throughout the day so that all of our residents can find a form of exercise that speaks to them. By improving balance and strength through exercise, our residents are able to maintain their ability to perform the daily tasks of living longer, meaning they can continue to live independently as they age. This, in turn, boosts moods and mental outlooks, helping improve their quality of life overall.”
Find Your Fulfillment
Canterbury Woods Williamsville offers a unique Continuing Care Retirement Community experience across 62 peaceful acres, with convenient access to Buffalo’s urban amenities. Our commitment to helping older adults stay active includes state-of-the-art aquatic facilities and comprehensive exercise programs. Here, you’ll find a welcoming community that combines gracious living with first-class health care and the freedom to create your ideal lifestyle.
Continuum of Care
As Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), Canterbury Woods’ communities provide a comfortable environment and first-rate services to support every level of need. Assisted living apartments allow Williamsville residents to benefit from additional support while maintaining their independent lifestyle. If skilled nursing, rehabilitation or memory care is ever needed, residents can experience the support they require. They can also enjoy all this and more at our sister community in Buffalo.
Contact us today to discover more about Canterbury Woods Williamsville! (716) 427-6928
