Benefits of stretching include:<\/em><\/strong> The best time to stretch<\/strong><\/em> depends on your mobility. For active seniors, stretch your muscles while they\u2019re still warm at the end of routine exercise. If you don\u2019t regularly exercise, try to start slow with an easy warm-up walk to get the muscles loose first thing in the morning or to relax at the end of the day, then try the stretches below.<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Standing quadriceps Stretch<\/strong> 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Seated knee to chest<\/strong> \u00a0<\/strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Calf muscle<\/strong> 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Seated side stretch<\/strong> 5.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Shoulder and tricep stretch<\/strong> TIPS!<\/strong><\/p>\n It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor or physical therapist before starting anything new, including a stretching routine that\u2019s good for your body! Let\u2019s celebrate our differences and stretch our way to good health for the New Year.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" One of the side effects of aging is our muscles and joints tend to weaken over time, as does our range of movement. Stretching is a simple, easy way\u2014no fancy exercise equipment needed!\u2014to age acti …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4096,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3354","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-wellness","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Improve flexibility
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Increase circulation and blood flow
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Maintain strength<\/p>\nBest Stretches For Seniors<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nGood for mobility and flexibility, this stretch focuses on the muscles in the top half of your upper legs. Start by holding on to the back of a chair or couch for support and stand on one leg. Bend the opposite leg at the knee, and with the hand not holding the support, clasp your ankle and gently pull your foot towards your bottom. Hold for 10 \u2013 30 seconds and repeat on the opposite leg.<\/p>\n
\nThis stretch serves to improve mobility in your hips and knees, as well as the flexibility in your lower back. Sitting comfortably in a chair, grasp your right knee and slowly pull it towards your chest. Once you feel tension, hold for 10 \u2013 30 seconds and then let your leg down gently. Repeat on the opposite side.<\/p>\n
\nStand facing the wall with your palms flat against it in front of you, arms straight and one foot in front of the other, your front knee slightly bent, so you look like a runner about to take off! Keeping your back knee straight and your whole foot planted firmly on the ground, lean towards the wall until your feel the stretch in your calf muscle for 10 \u2013 30 seconds. Switch legs.<\/p>\n
\nLoosen up the abdomen, back and shoulder muscles by sitting comfortably in a chair, your feet hip-width apart and facing forward. Then, raise your right arm and lean slowing to the left while keeping your torso long and lean. Hold for 10 \u2013 30 seconds, then repeat on the left side.<\/p>\n
\nUpper body mobility is important for daily tasks. This simple stretch uses a towel: Hold it by the end in one hand over your head so that it dangles behind your head. Then, grasp the other end of the towel with your other hand and gently pull both ends until you feel the stretch for 10 \u2013 30 seconds. Switch arm positions.<\/p>\n\n