Exercise Music for Seniors: How a Fun Playlist Helps Get You Moving!
As we age, it’s more important than ever to stay active. But, exercise doesn’t have to be boring! Movement is an important part of senior living that keeps you healthy and strong. It can also be a lot of fun! Group classes, like those offered through our Wellness Centers at Menno Haven, can even help build a sense of community and belonging, which are vital to overall well-being.
One fun way to spice up your exercise routine is to create a fun playlist with lots of your favorite upbeat songs to make movement more enjoyable.
1. Music Provides Motivation
Listening to music can put people in a better mood, which makes getting exercise easier. For some people, one of the hardest parts of movement is just getting started; a playlist full of happy, upbeat songs can help encourage you to get moving.
2. Music Keeps The Tempo
The tempo, or the pace that music moves, helps regulate how fast you move during exercise. While some runners and high-energy exercise participants prefer songs that move really fast, sports psychologists suggest that songs between 120 and 140 beats per minute are in the “sweet spot” for exercise music.
The good news is that 120 BPM is the most common tempo in commercial music, according to a study that analyzed over 74,000 songs released between 1960 and 1990. This includes much of the music that today’s seniors grew up listening to. Familiarity is especially important for residents in memory care, so a golden oldies exercise playlist might be just what you need to get up and groove.
3. Music Makes You Move
Another important part of music is the rhythm response. The feeling you get that makes you want to tap your toes, drum your fingers, or nod and bob to the rhythm of music? That’s the rhythm response. Fast songs with strong beats excite the area of your brain that makes you want to move, so a good exercise playlist can keep you moving longer and more energetically.
4. How To Put Together An Exercise Playlist
There are no real rules for putting together an exercise playlist, and it can be a fun activity for older adults to do with younger friends or relatives, especially if technology is a challenge.
When putting together a playlist of exercise music for a loved one, pick songs that the other person enjoys first and foremost. Remember, you’re building this playlist for motivation! You can use apps like Spotify or LastFM, or go on Youtube to find songs and even prebuilt playlists.
Once you have your playlist together, it’s time to start moving! Participants in independent living might enjoy walking, planned group physical activities, working out in a fitness center, or swimming. Independent and assisted living communities at Menno Haven offer residents numerous fun exercise opportunities.
Your Wellness Matters to Us
At Menno Haven, we know how important keeping active is for the long-term well-being of our residents. We offer assisted and independent living programs that take a holistic approach designed to keep participants engaged in mind, body, and spirit. Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide the care and support that you or a loved one need!