Putting forth the effort to keep a senior loved one active is not just about preventing muscle atrophy or keeping physically fit. Regular physical activity provides a wealth of benefits. Even simple exercises for seniors can help combat low energy levels and fatigue. Before starting any new exercise programs, however, you want to check in with your senior loved one's doctor.
What Is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a physical and mental feeling of exhaustion - where the body feels weak and unable to perform its normal activities. It can be caused by many things and can have serious consequences in the daily life of your senior loved one. It prevents people from engaging in activities that require alertness and concentration. This leads to reduced efficiency at home and beyond.
Causes of Fatigue and Low Energy Levels
Finding the right balance between restful sleep and physical activity matters when fighting off fatigue and low energy levels for your senior loved one. Many seniors are dealing with health problems ranging from metabolic conditions to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The lack of proper rest combined with poor diet choices may be major culprits contributing to lethargy. Stress is another major factor that can play into low energy levels as well.
Importance of Exercise
You want your senior loved one to feel energetic and more healthy throughout the day. Simple exercises for seniors can help with this. It can build muscle, help improve balance and increase endurance.
Make Exercise Fun
Exercise doesn't have to be a chore that your senior loved one dreads. You can make it fun by finding a local walking club or an online workout class.
Simple Exercises to Combat Fatigue and Low Energy Levels
Your senior loved one’s mobility limitations should be considered when deciding which exercises to implement.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or jogging are excellent for increasing energy levels. Some low-impact activities such as water aerobics can help improve mood and physical abilities. These can help fight off fatigue for your senior loved one.
Strength Training
Strength training activities for seniors can vary from hand-held weights to band exercises. These exercises are ideal for maintaining a healthy strength level. They’re ideal for increasing balance and endurance by strengthening large muscle groups like quads, glutes, and back muscles and they don’t require heavy equipment or any gadgets. This can create greater freedom of movement for your senior parent.
Yoga
Yoga is an ideal exercise for seniors. The workout focuses on stretching, breathing exercises, and concentration. It eases tension by allowing the body to move gradually and naturally in areas that are often neglected during strenuous aerobic activities.
Stretching
Stretching exercises can help your senior loved one improve their posture, increase range of motion, and reduce joint stiffness. From forward bends to warrior poses, stretching should be done for at least 10 minutes a day as an integral part of most exercise programs.
Senior Helpers Visalia Can Help a Senior Age in Place
With just a few simple exercises for seniors, your senior loved one can see an improvement in combating fatigue and low energy levels over time. They can also enjoy improved energy levels to do what they enjoy. Senior Helpers Visalia provides a variety of services to help seniors in Visalia, Hanford, Tulare, Kings County, and Tulare County age in place and maintain as much independence as possible. Reach out to us now!