4 Heart-friendly Activities Elderly Relatives or Aging Parents Can Do

The potential health benefits of exercise for elderly or aging parents have been proven time and time again. Not only can appropriate physical activity help promote improved heart health, but it can also be beneficial for increased mobility and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in seniors. 

With a plethora of low-impact activities available to suit their needs, it's easier than ever to get your senior loved one involved in a new activity. In this blog post, courtesy of Senior Helpers West Jacksonville, we will discuss the many benefits of exercise for seniors and how you can use activities such as swimming, walking, water aerobics, and yoga to improve heart health among your elderly relatives or aging family members. 

Benefits of Exercise for Senior Adults

Exercising regularly is beneficial at any age. However, during our later years, it becomes even more important! Exercise that is approved by their doctors can have a host of benefits for senior adults, including the following:

Improved Heart Health 

Seniors who exercise regularly might enjoy improved heart health, even if they practice low-impact activities such as walking. It doesn't have to be a challenge to fit in a new activity, just a casual walk around the neighborhood can help your senior relative enjoy a better quality of life.

Increased Mobility

Another equally important advantage gained through regular physical activities is increased mobility. Senior adults might be less likely to have slip and fall incidents or broken bones when they exercise on a regular basis.

Improved Mental Health

Exercise not only has advantages for the physical health of your senior loved one but also for their mental well-being. Participating in exercise can encourage an increased sense of social connectedness and even improve self-esteem.

Heart-friendly Activities 

So with these benefits of exercise in mind, which activities are best for heart health among seniors? Here are four fantastic options that can suit any lifestyle:

1. Swimming is an excellent low-impact cardio activity to ensure elderly family members and aging parents get the physical exercise required while having fun.
2. Walking is a fantastic choice, serving to increase circulation throughout the body, improve balance, and provide some much-needed Vitamin D from being outdoors amid nature's beauty. 
3. Water aerobics provides many other good cardiovascular essentials like resistance training, and all in a fun setting! Many senior centers organize water aerobics classes, making it a great socialization activity as well.
4. Yoga practice gently strengthens and lengthens the body, enhancing flexibility and supporting healthy joints and muscles.

Senior Helpers Supports Seniors of All Lifestyles 

There are many ways for seniors to get their daily dose of exercise, improving their heart health and supporting good mental health all at once. For more information about how to support your senior loved one or aging parent, reach out to Senior Helpers West Jacksonville. We provide premier in-home caregiving services for senior adults in and around the Jacksonville, Orange Park, Middleburg, Duval County, and Green Cove Springs areas. Contact us today to learn more about our services!