Working out is important for seniors, and there are some low-impact exercises they can do in the comfort of their homes, backyards, or neighborhood parks. Here are a few low-impact activities that can have a positive effect on a senior’s mental and physical health.
1. Swimming
Moving in the water supports the joints and provides the resistance older adults need to strengthen their bones and muscles. Swimming can also increase range of motion. In addition to being a low-impact exercise, swimming rarely makes the body feel overheated.
Engaging in regular exercise is just one of the many ways older adults can maintain their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Waterloo, ON, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Walking
When it comes to staying active, walking is one of the best low-impact exercises for seniors. Walking works out the muscles and connective tissues responsible for stabilizing the feet, hips, ankles, and knees, and it also helps seniors burn off calories and reduce their risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
3. Yoga
When your loved one wants to enhance his or her breathing techniques and get physical exercise without putting a lot of pressure on the joints, yoga is the perfect option. Yoga can help seniors stave off infections, memory issues, boredom, and depression.
4. Dancing
Many seniors shy away from exercise because they want to prevent joint pain. However, dancing is a fun low-impact activity seniors can do to enhance their overall health. Dancing can enhance gait and balance and prevent accidents and injuries such as slips, falls, and broken bones.
5. Cycling
Your loved one can enjoy the calming presence of nature when heading outdoors to ride a bike. Cycling works the lower body and gives seniors the opportunity to interact with others, which enhances their socialization skills. Riding a bike can boost a senior’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
Seniors who need help exercising should consider in-home care. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Waterloo respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
6. Water Aerobics
Older adults who like to swim might also enjoy doing water aerobics. The buoyancy of the water prevents seniors from putting too much pressure on the joints. Water aerobics gives the elderly a low-impact option when it comes to exercising their joints and staving off arthritis. Instead of working out at the gym, older adults can go to the pool for an aerobics class.
7. Tai Chi
Doing tai chi is a fun way for seniors to boost bone health, prevent heart disease, and manage stress. Tai chi is a low-impact exercise that doesn’t put too much pressure on the muscles and joints. Instead, it leads to better balance, flexibility, and posture for older adults.
From exercising to preparing nutritious meals, seniors may need help with an array of healthy activities. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Families can rely on Home Care Assistance Waterloo to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, talk to one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at (519) 954-2111 today.