Money-Smart Tips for Seniors to Lose Weight Without Emptying Your Bank Account

A guest post by Karen Weeks of ElderWellness

Why is it Important for Older Adults to Exercise?

If you’ve ever thought that weight loss isn’t possible later in life, it’s time to think again! Seniors do need to take a special approach to weight loss, and you may face some challenges. However, the reward for making healthy lifestyle changes is absolutely worth it. Not only will you see those extra pounds fall away, but you’ll also feel better—and with the following money smart tips, you can save quite a bit.

Get the Gear You Need

Any safe weight loss plan should focus on being active and eating a balanced diet, but you need the right tools to do this effectively. If you plan on walking or exercising at a gym, you’ll need comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. If you’re interested in swimming or water aerobics, it’s worth investing in a quality swimsuit and goggles.

To make your new fitness gear more affordable, the best way to shop is to search for deals online. For example, Kohls coupons can be found on websites like Rakuten, along with promo codes and other offers. Using these deals means you get more for your money, so you can pocket the savings or maybe even use it to get a great water bottle or blender to quickly mix or puree ingredients.

Get Some Guidance

You probably know that you should talk to your doctor before trying to lose weight, but this may seem counterintuitive. After all, losing excess weight is good for your health, right? Getting to a healthy weight is absolutely good for you, but it’s important to do it safely. As Prevention explains, individuals over the age of 60 typically have a lower oxygen intake, which means you may get short of breath faster when you start exercising.

Added to this is the fact that older adults are more likely to have joint problems. None of this means you can’t exercise, but your doctor can help ensure you pick the right activities for your body. If you have Medicare, it shouldn’t cost you anything to see your physician, whereas you could pay way more in the long run if you get started without the right guidance!

If you have access to a fitness center or a personal trainer, they can give you guidance as well. Hiring a personal trainer can be pricey, but your assisted living community may provide this service. Many senior living communities also offer fitness classes geared towards seniors at no additional cost.

Make a Fitness Plan

Along with the help of a professional, there are also some general guidelines you can follow on your own. According to AARP, the most important thing is to have a fitness plan. They recommend starting slow so you don’t overdo it, and then add to your routine once you get used to it. This may mean adding reps, adding weight, upping the intensity, or trying a new exercise entirely. If you’re already going to your community’s fitness center, it won’t cost you a dime to switch things up. Another affordable way to up the intensity is to get inexpensive fitness gear, such as dumbbells or an exercise ball, to get in some extra fitness without having to leave your apartment.

According to AARP, the most important thing is to have a fitness plan.

Make Your Diet More Nutritious

Dieting is often focused on what you shouldn’t eat, but you may have more success by concentrating on what you should be eating. Seniors should try to eat more lean protein and high fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables. If you eat most meals in your assisted living center’s dining room, try to pick options with more of these nutrients, especially at breakfast, to increase your metabolism. Another affordable way to boost your breakfast is to get a smoothie maker so you can blend fruits and veggies together from the convenience of your apartment.

You probably already know that achieving a healthy weight can help fight off disease and other health problems. This is true at any age, but for seniors, the value of reaching this healthy lifestyle is even greater. By referring to the above suggestions, you can invest in better health without breaking the bank. You won’t see dramatic changes overnight, but when you stick with it, the improvements to your health will be unmistakable.