How Seniors Can Build a Fitness and Activity Routine With Their Dogs

The health benefits of regular exercise are obvious, but exercising in later life can be a challenge.

Having a dog has many obvious benefits – loyalty, limitless affection, and unconditional love, for example. But it can also help seniors reach the CDC physical activity targets, boosting their physical and mental health, as studies have shown.

Dogs are perfect companions for seniors because not all seniors have the same physical activity level; some can do more than others. With a dog, all seniors can build a fitness and activity routine that matches their ability to incorporate much-needed physical activity into their lifestyle.

There are three levels of activity dogs can help seniors engage in: low, moderate, and high.

Low Activity

For seniors in Westford, Tewksbury, Lowell, or Concord who are not very mobile, it can be hard to engage in any form of physical activity. But having a dog that they can feed, groom, pet, walk around the house, take outside for fresh air, and let them run around in a secure area could be enough.

Even such low-intensity physical exercise can relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health. Also, being outside increases Vitamin D exposure, improving their bone health.

Moderate Activity

If a senior can handle it, taking a dog out for a walk around the neighborhood at a brisk pace can be considered moderate-intensity exercise. Moderate-intensity walking is just as effective as running. It helps lower cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, among other ailments.

Regular walks (twice or a few times a day) increase strength, mobility, and fitness, allowing senior citizens to be independent.

High Activity

If a senior has a full range of motion and can run, running with their dog can avoid the physical decline that comes with age. It improves coordination and balance and improves cardiovascular and respiratory function.

Sure, they could run by themselves, but a dog motivates them, accompanies them, and makes the run successful.

They could also take the dog to a dog park in Westford, Tewksbury, Lowell, or Concord. This allows them to socialize and make new friends as they interact with other dog owners. If they are single, they may even find a love interest!

Factors to consider when choosing a dog for a senior

It is crucial to select the appropriate dog for a senior in Westford. Ensure it fits their level of activity and their physical and mental needs. Most importantly, consider the dog's breed. Different breeds have different needs and activity levels and require different levels of care.

Give your elderly loved ones the best care

If walking presents a significant challenge to a senior, a dog might not be the best idea. Your in-home care professional may recommend other forms of services. But if they can walk, even if not much, a dog can significantly improve the quality of their lives.

Part of giving your senior family or friends the best care is ensuring they get the daily assistance they need, especially if they live with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Dementia, or any other chronic disease.

If you're living in Westford, Tewksbury, Lowell, or Concord, Senior Helpers, the premier provider of in-home senior care in the Greater Westford Area, can offer a comprehensive suite of programs and services to support aging in-place.