Wellness Activities for Seniors in Kansas City: Staying Active and Healthy

According to the United States Census Bureau, over 516,000 people live in Kansas City, MO, and 14.1% are over the age of 65. There's a sizable senior population here, which means that there are definitely Kansas City senior exercise options available.

However, not every older adult has the same interests, nor are they of the same fitness levels. This means that even though your neighbor can still go whitewater rafting, maybe you'd prefer calmer activities.

Fortunately, there are diverse wellness activities for older adults that can suit varying tastes, ensuring that healthy aging is fun. Here are some ideas to consider!

Chair Yoga in KC Parks

One of the best healthy aging activities to try is chair yoga. It's a gentle and adaptable form of exercise, and it supports:

• Balance
• Flexibility
• Relaxation

Kansas City Parks & Recreation offers chair yoga classes in accessible venues, such as at libraries or public community spaces.

Unlike traditional yoga, you don't have to get down on the floor, so you can get all the benefits of the practice without being uncomfortable. You'll sit in sturdy chairs while engaging in guided stretches and breathing exercises. These can improve your posture and reduce stiffness, especially in the hips, back, and shoulders.

Tai Chi in Loose Park

Loose Park is one of Kansas City's most beautiful and spacious green spaces. It makes a peaceful backdrop for wellness classes for seniors, including tai chi.

Tai chi is considered a slow, flowing martial art, and people have called it "meditation in motion." It combines deep breathing with graceful and deliberate movements. It can help:

• Improve balance
• Enhance coordination
• Provide stress relief

Without strain, you'll be able to enhance your lower-body strength and joint flexibility too. You can enjoy these sessions in the open and fresh air of Loose Park, getting your daily dose of vitamin D and scenic beauty.

Nature Walks on KC Trails

If you've been finding it hard to get exercise, then this is the perfect way to incorporate daily walking into your wellness routine. Kansas City has a number of well-maintained trails that are perfect for low-impact walking, as they don't have steep inclines. Plus, you can have quiet reflection too; the trails aren't crowded at all.

Popular choices like the Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail or the Blue River Parkway Trail have:

• Smooth paths
• Benches
• Lots of shade

Not only will you improve your cardiovascular health, but you'll also boost your mood, thanks to the natural light exposure. As a result, you'll have less stress too.

Pickleball at Local Parks

Pickleball is a sport that's taken the world by storm, and it's a senior favorite now too. It's similar to tennis, but it's played on a smaller court with lightweight paddles and a plastic ball. It's an energetic yet low-impact way to stay active.

In addition, you can hone your:

• Hand-eye coordination
• Balance
• Agility

If you're a beginner, then go to open play hours and/or designated times for older adults. Many local parks have these, such as Chicken N Pickle North Kansas City or Macken Park.

If you have limited mobility, you don't have to sit out either. You can play with modified rules and slower games.

Water Fitness or Gentle Swimming

Water fitness or gentle swimming is excellent for older adults, especially for those who have osteoporosis or other health issues. Because the water provides buoyancy, there's less pressure on your joints while still allowing for a full range of motion.

You can try the YMCA of Greater Kansas City or the Matt Ross Community Center for:

• Open swim hours are specifically tailored to older adults
• Water aerobics
• Aqua yoga

These classes combine cardiovascular movement, resistance training, and stretching so you can:

• Build endurance
• Tone muscles
• Relieve tension

Creative Arts Classes

Creative arts aren't just about self-expression; they're considered a form of therapy, and they can help with grief and depression. Plus, they can reduce stress and stimulate the brain.

What's great about Kansas City is that there are numerous creative outlets, such as:

• Painting
• Pottery
• Journaling
• Fiber arts

If you want to learn, then organizations like the Kansas City Public Library and Nelson-Atkins Museum have beginner-friendly workshops.

Engaging in artistic hobbies can have benefits such as:

• Improved memory
• Sharpened focus
• Better emotional well-being
• Less isolation, more social connections

Bird and Wildlife Watching

This area is home to several wildlife preserves and nature sanctuaries. They're ideal for birdwatching and gentle wildlife observations, as well as light walking.

You can go to places such as Burr Oak Woods Nature Center and Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary to enjoy the quiet rhythms of nature. There are accessible trails and observation decks that offer incredible views.

Visiting can help:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Lower cortisol levels
• Boost your mood

So make sure to bring some binoculars, field guides, and even a sketchpad so you can keep track of your sightings!

Health and Nutrition Workshops

Health and nutrition are extremely important for older adults, but these topics can be challenging when you throw in health issues. Luckily, there are senior fitness programs in Kansas City that can help you tackle them!

There are programs that are designed to help you take control of your health in empowering ways. The topics include:

• Meal planning for diabetes
• Fall prevention techniques
• Managing arthritis through lifestyle changes

The best thing is that many of these classes are free, and they're held in libraries, churches, or rec centers. And on top of the expert-led sessions, you can participate in peer discussions where you can hold each other accountable and encourage one another.

Take Part in These Wellness Activities

Kansas City has several wellness activities that older adults of all fitness levels can do. There are health workshops and chair yoga classes that aren't very taxing, as well as nature walks and pickleball for those who want something more challenging.

Otherwise, if you want to move into a senior living community, we've got a Garden Village wellness program waiting for you.

For more information on senior living in Kansas City, contact us today. Garden Village has a Gordon Ramsay-trained chef on staff.