Staying physically active in the golden years is essential to maintaining independence and overall health, but it’s important that seniors engage in the right types of exercise. Seniors can enjoy maximum benefits from their physical fitness routines by performing the following types of exercise.
Aerobic
Aerobic fitness is a key component of maintaining cardiovascular health. While many aging adults may not be able to run or hike, there are many low-impact exercises that offer the same benefits. Walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi are all exercises that can increase cardiovascular health, strengthen joints, and lower blood pressure.
Some seniors require assistance with performing exercises. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Balance
For seniors who have difficulty walking or maintaining balance, chair exercises that focus on stabilizing the core muscles can reduce the risk of falls. One great example of a chair exercise is to have your loved one place one hand on the back of a chair or against the wall and slowly lift one leg at a time in different directions.
Strength
Regular strength training exercises keep a senior’s muscles strong and active. Your loved one can use light weights to perform exercises or opt for resistance bands, which are often easier to use. When a senior focuses on increasing the strength of various muscle groups, it becomes easier to perform regular daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Stronger muscles can help aging adults maintain their independence for longer. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Waterloo seniors can depend on.
Flexibility
Stretching is one of the easiest ways to increase flexibility. Seniors should stretch two to three times a week, holding each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds. Some senior care experts also recommend stretching first thing in the morning to get the body prepared for the day’s activities and reduce the risk of injuries.
Before starting new exercise plans, seniors should schedule appointments with their primary care physicians to get recommendations on which exercises are safe and best for their fitness needs. Seniors should always start slowly under the supervision of family members or professional caregivers, increasing intensity and duration as strength and stamina are built over time.
Engaging in physical activity can help older adults ward off many health conditions. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care Waterloo families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licenced, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (519) 954-2111 today.