As your loved ones get older, remaining physically active could become difficult. It feels as though it takes a greater toll on their bodies. This is precisely the reason as to why it’s so important for seniors to continue exercising. There are a lot of benefits to staying physically active as your loved one ages. It reduces blood pressure to lower stress levels and diminishes symptoms of anxiety and depression. The number of benefits from exercise can go on and on.
Here are some great ways to promote healthy aging through physical activity.
Getting Started
It might not seem like much, but even walking around the home can make a huge difference in the heart health among aging adults. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors who do any level of physical activity whatsoever decrease their chance of a stroke and heart attack. House cleaning, strolling to the mailbox, and even walking from room to room are all lower-level activities that make a big impact toward brain and heart health.
As physical abilities begin to decrease in a senior’s later years, aging adults see the concept of exercise as an overwhelmingly tall task. For this reason, it might help to stay away from the word altogether and opt for phrases such as “being active” or “physical activity.”
Set Goals
In a life stage where a senior’s mental health is not where it used to be, confidence boosters are imperative. These confidence boosters are more productive if they are accomplished through physical activities.
We highly recommend that you encourage your loved ones to set challenging, yet easily attainable goals. Easy objectives such as standing up for thirty minutes a day or strolling to the corner and back can eventually evolve into more involved physical goals.
Local Senior Centers
In addition to stimulating mental and brain health, senior centers are one of the best resources you can find when it comes to keeping seniors physically active. It doesn’t matter where your loved one lives. There is a strong likelihood that you will find a local senior center nearby. Nearly ten million older adults use senior centers each year.
These facilities not only organize social outings and offer volunteer programs, but most offer exercise classes as well. It is not uncommon for your local senior center to have trained staff in the building available to teach seniors Tai Chi, yoga, swimming and general aerobics classes. Some senior centers have opportunities for aging adults to learn how to ballroom, line or even square dance. All of these are all great exercise options for seniors.
Sports for Seniors
Sports that need manageable levels of physical exertion are perfect for seniors. Golf is a good example of a fairly accessible sport because it promotes healthy aging among seniors. Even if your loved one decides to use a cart, this sport still requires a moderate level of walking on the grass. It is perfect for seniors looking to get active.
Preventing Falls
Every eleven seconds, a senior citizen is treated at the emergency room for a fall. Aging adults might be averse to the idea of physical activity because of a perceived likelihood of the risk of falling. In actuality, exercise and physical activity can greatly prevent the risk of falls in seniors, as it increases an aging adult’s agility and ability to react.
With that being said, there are a few precautions to take when deciding the best exercises for fall prevention. You should talk to a doctor initially. The doctor can help find the certain health conditions that could increase the likelihood of falls. History of past falls and medications can influence the probability of a future incident.
Wearing correct footwear is another safety tip for avoiding injury. You should make sure the senior is wearing shoes that fit correctly and have good tread. There are certain types of shoes that will decrease joint pain as well, so consider shopping around for footwear that is both practical and safe for physical activity.
Does your loved one need help getting active? Click here to contact Colonial Home Care Services today!
