Senior sports are fun activities that allow you to interact with your peers as well as stay in shape in a way that doesn’t feel like working out. Some seniors sports are easier to do than others based on the physical health you are in. Although some might seem challenging, senior sports can make life changing alterations in the way you think and feel about your senior lifestyle.

According to Helpguide.org, Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise—even just 15 minutes a day—helps ease depression, enhances self-image, relieves stress, and much more. Sports are the best form of exercise because you can choose an senior activity that you already enjoy and have the benefits of exercise. By making “start slow” and “have fun” your mottos, you’ll be well on your way to using physical activity and senior sports as a tool to make you feel better every day.

Here are just some ways that a senior sport helps boost your energy, mood and brainpower:

• Relieves stress and anxiety. Participating in senior sports and exercise routines regularly helps you take charge of anxiety and reduce stress. How so? Aerobic exercise releases hormones that relieve stress and give a sense of well-being. More aerobic senior sports include running, basketball, swimming and tennis.
• Alleviates depression. Did you know that participating in a senior sport can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as anti-depression medicine? Experts believe that physical activity increases serotonin, a brain chemical that fights negative thoughts and depression.
• Boosts mood. Exercise also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in our brain that energize our spirits and simply make us feel good.
• Sharpens brainpower. The same endorphins that make us feel better also help us concentrate and feel mentally sharp for our tasks at hand.
• Improves self-esteem. Regular activity is an investment in your mind, body and soul. When it becomes habit, it can help foster a stronger sense of self-worth since you take the time to take care of yourself.
• Energy gain. Want less fatigue and improved sleep? Get moving in the fresh air. It’s true that increasing your heart rate several times a week will give you more get-up-and-go. There are plenty of outdoor senior sports such as walking (yes that counts as a sport. Ever heard of walkathons?), golf, skiing