Sticking to a workout routine is hard enough under normal circumstances. With stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements thrown into the mix, finding new ways to exercise and stay healthy has become more challenging than ever. This is especially true for older adults.

In Texas, in the past three years, physical inactivity increased 11% for adults ages 65+ .

While exercising is more important than ever right now for older adults, the lack of access to exercise options and facilities has made getting in a daily workout even more difficult for this age group. Plus, the ongoing threat of COVID-19 means they will be among the last group to emerge from quarantine because they remain a high-risk group when it comes to the pandemic. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people age 65 and over account for about 80% of deaths across the United States due to COVID-19.

Staying physically and mentally active can have a big impact on the health of older adults, as well as the six in 10 Americans with chronic conditions. Studies show lack of activity in older adults may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression and stroke, according to the National Institute on Aging.

To stay well, many older adults depend on local community centers to connect with others, access vital services and resources, and exercise. However, these centers and other gathering places remain closed, leaving seniors without access to the services and programs so critical to their health and well-being.

The good news: Online resources are giving older adults the tools they need to take charge of their health and improve their well-being in the safety and comfort of their homes. A great example is the Optum Virtual Community Center.

The Virtual Community Center program takes many of the classes offered at a “brick-and-mortar” community center for older adults and makes them available online to everyone. Classes include seated tai chi, qi gong, strength and balance exercises, yoga and Pilates classes. The videos also include brain and emotional health exercises, art activities and nutrition tips. As we move through this pandemic, these online programs, and others like them, will help keep older adults engaged, moving and connected.

As states begin to open up, please remember no matter how or when the COVID-19 restrictions are eased in your community, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you and your health. In the meantime, all of us can do our part to ensure our older adults, and others at high risk, have free and easy access to the health and wellness services they need to stay active, no matter where they are.