Our vision changes in various ways as we get older. The risk of eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts increases with age. Encouraging seniors to practice eye exercises can be beneficial in maintaining their eye health and enhancing their visual comfort in the golden years.
Benefits of Eye Exercises
Eye exercises can keep the eyes in good shape, helping maintain clear vision. It reduces eye strain and soothes tired eyes. These exercises are particularly beneficial for seniors who spend a long time reading or watching TV. Strengthening eye muscles enhances concentration and can help improve focus. Consistent eye exercise practice can also delay the progression of age-related eye conditions.
Simple Eye Exercises to Try at Home
Maintaining eye health through regular exercise is an effective way for older adults to support their vision. Here are some easy eye exercises for seniors to try at home:
Palming
This simple exercise helps to soothe the eyes and reduce strain. To perform, ask your senior loved one to rub their palms together to generate warmth. Instruct them to gently place their warmed palms over their closed eyes and hold them in place for a few minutes while taking slow, deep breaths.
Focus Shifting
Great for strengthening eye muscles, focus shifting can also improve focus flexibility. To perform, have the senior hold their thumb about ten inches from their face and let them focus on it. Tell them to shift their gaze to an object approximately 20 feet away. Let them continue alternating their focus between the close and distant objects every few seconds for a few minutes.
Near and Far Focus
This exercise aims to strengthen the eye muscles responsible for adjusting focus, which can enhance visual clarity and reduce eye strain. Hold a small object, such as a pen, close to the senior's nose and let them focus on it. Have them shift their gaze to something far away, maintaining their focus on the distant object. Have them repeat this process several times to help improve their focusing skills.
Blinking
Blinking is a simple exercise that helps keep the eyes moist, promoting overall eye comfort. Ask your senior loved one to blink their eyes rapidly for a few seconds. Instruct them to close their eyes and relax for a few seconds before repeating the process.
Incorporating Eye Exercises Into Daily Routines
Choose specific times of the day to do the exercises, like in the morning or before bed. Integrating eye exercises with other daily routines can help make them a natural part of the day. Make the exercises enjoyable by treating them like a game so they feel less of a chore and more like an adventure. Practicing with family members or friends can provide additional motivation. Ensure the exercises are tailored to the senior's comfort and ability levels to keep them safe and productive.
Experience Top-Notch Tailored Senior Care With Senior Helpers
Eye exercises are a simple yet effective way to promote eye health. Incorporating these exercises into your senior loved one's daily routine can help them enjoy better vision and a higher quality of life. If you’re in the Fresno, Madera, Los Banos, Atwater, and Reedley areas and are considering getting in-home support for a senior loved one, we can help. Senior Helpers Central Valley North provides top-notch senior care services with the health and happiness of our community's seniors in mind. Contact us at any time to explore your options!