Although aging cannot be prevented, there are steps seniors can take to slow its impact on the body and brain, such as engaging in regular physical activity. Exercising can stave off cognitive decline and keep seniors looking and feeling great. Below are some of the ways aging can be slowed with regular exercise.
Reduces the Risk of Memory Loss
A decreasing memory is standard with aging, but exercising can keep the mind sharp and stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. During exercise, the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain increases, which directly benefits the brain cells. As a result, the areas of the brain responsible for storing and processing information function normally, preserve memories, and boost communication skills and critical thinking abilities. By enhancing cognitive performance with regular moderate exercise, aging adults can reduce their risk of cognitive decline.
If you have any concerns about your loved one’s ability to exercise safely, consider hiring a trained professional caregiver to provide assistance. Waterloo elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Keeps Skin Looking Younger
As adults grow older, their skin gets thinner, less elastic, and drier, leading to wrinkles and other issues because aging disrupts the skin’s ability to protect itself from damage. The fibers in the skin’s connective tissue begin to crease and wrinkle. However, there are lifestyle changes the elderly can make to slow the aging process. When seniors exercise, they increase collagen production and tone muscles in their skin that prevent sagging. Exercising also promotes new cell growth along with the production of moisture and natural oils, which prevents the formation of wrinkles.
Strengthens the Bones
Aging causes the loss of bone density, making the bones more fragile and at higher risk for fractures and breaks. Seniors need to stay physically active to boost their bone health and prevent the risk of slips and falls. Exercising can tone the muscles and reduce joint pain. The best exercises for older adults who want to slow the effects aging has on their bones are walking, swimming, dancing, and yoga. Seniors should also manage stress and maintain a healthy weight to strengthen their bone health.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving 24-hour care. Waterloo, ON, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Boosts the Immune System
Seniors don’t respond to immune challenges as robustly as they did in their younger years because their production of B and T cells has been reduced as a result of aging. The bone marrow, thymus, and function of mature lymphocytes diminish with age, affecting the ability to fight illnesses. Exercising is one way to strengthen the immune system and protect seniors from viruses and different age-related conditions. To receive the maximum benefits, seniors should try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day for three to four days each week. Jogging, swimming, and cycling provide the best benefits for the immune system as well as for heart and brain health.
Assistance with exercising safely is just one of the benefits seniors receive when families enlist the help of trained professional caregivers. Home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Rely on the professionals at Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. Give us a call today at (519) 954-2111 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.