Advanced Home Health Care is here to make sure that senior loved ones are able to gain as many health benefits as possible through exercise.
The positive effects of physical activity do not decline as we age, and it’s especially vital for older individuals to engage in as active a daily routine as possible. Even older adults who are confined to a bed or wheelchair-bound have a wide variety of methods available to strengthen and develop resistance and flexibility.
Advanced Home Health Care, providers of senior in-home care in Burlington, Iowa and the surrounding areas, suggests that the initial step is always to consult the physician to get a suggestion on the most beneficial senior exercises that fit with your loved one’s activity level and medical history. Exercising even for as little as a few minutes every day, repeated several times during the course of the day, can substantially enhance the older person’s health and wellbeing.
Below are a few examples of the best forms of senior exercise:
- Cardio Exercises: If whole body movements are not possible, exercises from a sitting position are available to build cardio strength. When possible, effective possibilities include:
- Swimming or water aerobics
- Dancing
- Walking
- Tai Chi
- Bowling
- Resistance Exercises: To build and strengthen muscles, resistance exercises can be performed with elastic bands, which are available in a range of tensile strengths. The Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences shares that even just one day per week of resistance training helps older adults preserve independence and lower the chance of injuries.
- Flexibility Exercises: Stretching exercises help increase flexibility and freedom of movement. Search for yoga classes at local senior or recreation centers.
- Dementia Exercises: In the initial stages of Alzheimer’s especially, a number of exercise possibilities are possible, and with enhanced supervision and some modifications, can be continued as the disease progresses. Because repetition is commonly comforting to those with Alzheimer’s disease, activities including walking, riding a stationary bicycle, and folding laundry are advantageous to both the older adult’s physical and psychological state.
Motivating your loved one to start and then stick with a senior exercise regimen is essential to success. Try these ideas to make it something enjoyable that he or she will look forward to:
- Participate in an exercise program with the senior. It’s always more enjoyable to exercise with a buddy.
- Add the senior’s favorite, upbeat music.
- Designate a dedicated time every day specifically for exercise, and make it a priority.
- Create incentives or rewards for attaining goals.
For more resources on senior exercise, contact Advanced Home Health Care, providers of senior in-home care in Burlington, Iowa and the surrounding communities. Our compassionate caregivers are trained and experienced in helping older adults thrive and improve their overall wellbeing, and we love nothing more than being assured the seniors in our care are healthy and enjoying life to the fullest! Reach out to us at 800.791.7785 to learn more!
