For your senior loved one, it's important to stay active to maintain a healthy heart. Doing heart-friendly activities with seniors can help keep both your and your senior loved one's heart healthy. In fact, it can also create a fun bonding experience!
However, you need to choose the right activity for them and check with their doctor first. Some common heart-friendly activities for seniors include:
1. Walking
Walking gets the legs and heart moving. Seniors can do it at any pace or distance that they feel comfortable with. Try taking walks together in nature or around the neighborhood, but make sure there's a safe route for them to take. You should also keep an eye on how much time you spend walking to avoid tiring them out.
2. Swimming
Swimming is a great low-impact activity that can fit any physical ability level and age range. It gives both the heart and body a good workout but keeps it at an easy pace. Depending on a senior's comfort level, they can do laps in the pool or just enjoy splashing around in a leisurely fashion.
3. Yoga
Yoga can provide a way for your senior parent to stay active without increasing the risk of injury. Many yoga studios offer classes specifically tailored for seniors, so look around online to see what's available in your area. A routine practice of yoga can improve balance and core strength to help lower the risk of falls as well as other associated injuries.
4. Tai Chi
Tai Chi helps seniors maintain balance, coordination, and core strength. This ancient Chinese martial art form is much more than a graceful physical exercise; it's also a form of meditation. In fact, it reduces stress and improves heart health. Tai Chi is an excellent way for seniors to stay active in mind and body that fits any fitness level.
5. Strength Training
Strength training is also an excellent choice for a senior loved one. Even though it's important to check with their doctor first, strength training can help seniors build muscle and improve balance at any age. For example, some exercises like squats or sit-to-stand can still be done from a seated position in a chair.
6. Cycling
Cycling is a great way to get the heart rate up. It's easy on the joints and gives a good cardio workout for both mind and body. Depending on your senior loved one's strength, cycling might be done outdoors on bike trails or paths, or indoors with stationary cycles. There are also recumbent bikes available which allow the rider to remain seated while pedaling.
Tips for Doing Heart-Friendly Activities With Seniors
The best way to get your senior loved one to engage in a new fitness activity is to follow these tips:
- Start slowly
- Choose activities that are appropriate for their age and physical condition
- Make sure to have a plan for safety
- Consider their interests and preferences
- Make it fun
This way, you and your senior loved one can both enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
Select Senior Helpers Solano-Yolo-City of Sacramento for Help Caring for Your Senior Loved One
Heart-friendly activities are a wonderful way to stay active and healthy with seniors in Sacramento, Solano County, Fairfield, Vacaville, Davis, and Winters areas. Senior Helpers Solano-Yolo-City of Sacramento can help with the well-being of your senior loved one by providing assistance with daily tasks. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services!