The benefits of swimming for older adults
Here's why you should take the plunge!
Let's jump in...
Staying active is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it becomes particularly important as we age, when various health issues can have a greater impact on our bodies. The good news? Increasing your physical activity with sports such as swimming is a fantastic way to help prevent and manage health conditions.
Swimming is a great way to add some cardio to your routine too. Thanks to its low-impact nature, it provides an effective workout while being kind to your body, helping reduce the risk of injury. No matter your exercise goal, it's never too late to get back into the pool or even learn this fantastic life skill from scratch!
In this section:
Why is swimming good for older adults?
Swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy at any age, but even more so as we get older. Unlike high-impact activities such as running, swimming improves both cardiovascular health and muscle strength without placing undue pressure on the joints.
Regular pool sessions also enhance balance, coordination and flexibility, all of which are important in the prevention of falls and maintaining a good range of motion to be able to carry out ordinary everyday tasks.
Discover additional ways to stay fit in later life.
Discover Adult Swimming Lessons
What do I need for a swimming session?
So, you're ready to go, but you're not sure what else to bring apart from some obvious essentials, like your swimming costume? Don’t worry - here are some suggestions:
- A swimming cap - If you’ve got longer hair, a swimming cap is a must. It keeps your hair out of the way and reduces drag (the force that slows you down as you push through the water).
- A locker coin or padlock - Depending on which of our pools you visit, you'll need either a locker coin or padlock to secure your items in our lockers. Check ahead so you’re prepared!
- A water bottle - You won't notice how much you're sweating while you're in the pool, making it even more crucial to stay hydrated before, during, and after your session!
- A snack - a post-swim snack is great for refuelling. Choose something high in protein to help repair and recover your muscles after your workout!
What are the benefits?
Swimming as exercise for older adults has so many amazing benefits...
Eases joint pain
Whether it’s an achy knee or a sore joint, swimming is a fantastic way to ease joint pain and relieve arthritic symptoms. The buoyancy of the water supports your body weight, making movement smoother and more comfortable!
Supports bone strength
Swimming is one of the only forms of exercise that simultaneously works all muscle groups at once, making it an excellent choice for supporting bone strength. This is especially important as we age, as strong bones help maintain good posture and stability.
Boosts sleep quality
It’s not just the movement of water that can make us feel good, it’s also the sound! Many people find the sound of moving water soothing and calming, offering both your body and mind a chance to relax and recharge.
Improves mental health
There's a good chance that you'll meet lots of new People while you swim with us, since our pools are home to thriving Communities! Swimming is more social than we think and exercising with others helps create dopamine – the ‘happy hormone’ – in addition to aiding mood, memory, and cognition.
Find out more about how swimming improves mental health.
If you’re unsure where to begin in your swimming journey, our Just Swim sessions could be a great place to start. They do exactly what they say on the tin – providing an area in the pool where you and other swimmers can take things at your own pace.
For those who enjoy the water and fancy becoming a regular, one of our Swim membership packages could also suit you. We also offer adult swim lessons, ideal if you’re starting from scratch or if you haven’t swum in a while and need to refresh your technique.
Ready to take a dip? Why not view the pool timetable at your nearest pool?
A skill for life
The low-impact nature of swimming makes it the ideal activity to stay active and healthy from childhood through to adulthood and our twilight years – the ultimate skill for life! At Places Leisure, you can swim for fun, take lessons to improve your technique and meet People just like you to accompany you on your fitness journey.
