The Health Benefits of Swimming

Staying healthy and active can become more difficult as muscle and joint pain set in and range of motion becomes limited with age. Alternative exercises such as swimming are much safer and easier on the body. Swimming is an ideal workout for older adults, mainly because it presents little risk of injury and is low impact. Here are 3 health benefits of swimming for older adults:

Tones muscles while staying gentle on the joints. Every movement in the water engages multiple muscle groups at the same time. Aquatic exercises are a great form of resistance training that help tone muscles without the stress on joints typical full body workouts can present. Because swimming is not weight-bearing, it’s easy on the joints for those who suffer from joint pain or discomfort.

Increases flexibility. While stretching before and after exercising is a sure way to increase flexibility, the act of swimming itself can also help increase flexibility in your hips, legs, arms, and neck. Swimming lengthens the muscles in a way that can make your joints more flexible and help muscle recovery.

Improves mental health. Swimming is a great way to reduce stress levels and boost your mood. Swimming can be a relaxing, individual activity but it can also be a fun, active, and social activity. Water Volleyball is a favorite exercise of Maple Knoll residents that allows them to have fun and socialize while also working out.

Our extensive warm water aquatics program at the Maple Knoll Village Hemsworth Wellness Center is perfect setting for aquatic exercises.

Our dedicated staff provide personally guided warm water exercises that give residents the option of swimming or walking laps, floating or exercising on their own, or even participating in a guided class. The various classes within the program help residents improve range of motion, muscular strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning and endurance.

For more information on our state-of-the-art Wellness Center and pool, please call 513-782-2717.

The Importance of Involvement

Social involvement is important at any age, especially for older adults. Having an active role in the community adds purpose and meaning to their lives while also providing opportunities to build lasting friendships. Residents of Maple Knoll Village are encouraged to be as involved in the Maple Knoll community as they desire. Three of the biggest ways residents can be involved on campus include resident committees, social and recreational programming, and volunteer opportunities.

Resident Committees
At Maple Knoll Village, we believe that the best way to improve community life for our residents is by listening to the residents themselves. Maple Knoll residents have the opportunity to be involved in the Resident’s Council. This council is overseen by Erin Navaro, our Residential Services Manager, and is comprised of various committees focused on dining, safety, technology, hospitality, and activities as well as a representative from each neighborhood. Residents work with staff in these committees to provide suggestions and ideas to enhance campus life. These suggestions are reviewed at Resident Council and then passed onto administration.

Social and Recreational Programming
The amenities at Maple Knoll Village allow residents the freedom to be as active as they wish. Our 54-acre campus features a certified arboretum, walking paths, and gardens providing an outdoor sanctuary. Inside our main building you will find Main Street which is lined with the Bistro on the Green, the ServUS Technology Lab, Mane Street Salon, our 24-hour Marketplace, chapel, weaving room, and multiple spaces for resident gatherings. On campus you will also find a state of the art Wellness Center with a warm water pool and sauna, the Woodshop, shuffleboards, ping pong tables, and Cheers pub.

Each level of care at Maple Knoll Village has trained Activity staff dedicated to ensuring our residents live their lives to fullest. This can be seen through various planned social, cultural, and educational programs. Local entertainment from the community and area colleges are frequently brought in for residents to enjoy as well.

One of the most popular activities offered is the weekly “Wine ‘n Words” happy hour. Independent living residents come together to enjoy food and drinks, socialize, and even meet new people. Residents also have frequent opportunities to enjoy life outside of Maple Knoll Village by visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, attending Reds games, or enjoying a morning at the Symphony.

Volunteer Opportunities
Maple Knoll Village provides both residents and the outside community with many volunteer opportunities. Residents can volunteer on campus several ways including: assisting at the front desk, bartending for various social events and weekly happy hours, crafting projects for the community in the Woodshop, working in the Re-Run shop, or doing compassionate care visits in our Bodmann Skilled Nursing Pavilion.

Residents of Maple Knoll Village enjoy volunteering in the Montessori Child Center on campus which provides mutually beneficial intergenerational relationships between the seniors and children.

To learn more about socialization opportunities offered, check out our social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram @mapleknollvillage for an inside look at life at Maple Knoll Village or give us a call at 513-909-7935.