Exercise is important for seniors to stay in good physical shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle well into their golden years. Encouraging a senior parent or loved one to become more active, however, can be easier said than done, especially when mobility issues start to enter the equation. For those wanting to make sure their senior loved ones are still able to get enough exercise at home, there are several strategies you can use to encourage exercise and mobility.
The Benefits of Exercise for Seniors
The benefits of exercise are well-known, but seniors in particular have reason to be especially mindful about maintaining a healthy level of physical activity. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, some forms of cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. Exercise also can improve mood by boosting energy levels, increasing self-confidence, and improving sleep. Furthermore, regular exercise can help seniors maintain mobility and independence, which grows increasingly difficult with age.
Types of Exercise for Seniors
When considering the types of exercise for seniors, it's important to find activities that work all aspects of physical health - aerobic ability, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. There are several low-impact exercises that can be performed from home such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
Strength training with light weights or resistance bands can help build muscle mass, which helps with maintaining balance and joint stability. Balance exercises like yoga poses encourage increased strength and coordination, while flexibility exercises like stretching improve the range of motion in muscles and joints. When selecting an exercise program for seniors, you need to take their unique needs and capability into consideration.
Encouraging Seniors to Stay More Active
The key to convincing seniors to stay active is making sure they understand the importance of exercise, as well as finding enjoyable activities that fit within their individual physical limitations. Here are some helpful tips for motivating your senior parent:
- Make Exercise Fun – Find activities your senior loves and make it an enjoyable experience. This can be anything from playing a round of golf or going on regular walks with you, to attending dancing classes or even gardening together.
- Try Exercising Together – By exercising alongside your senior loved one, you'll be able to provide motivation and support throughout the workout routine, while also taking part in things that will help keep both of you healthy.
- Make Exercising More Accessible – If mobility issues become an obstacle, look into resources like pool workouts held at local gyms or customized home fitness programs designed specifically for elderly individuals who cannot leave their homes easily due to health concerns.
- Provide Support and Encouragement – The most important step in getting seniors moving is providing ongoing support and encouragement during the process - assuring them that this isn't a race, but simply about gaining greater independence through gentle exercises tailored to meet their needs with no pressure. Furthermore, set realistic goals that encourage lifestyle changes rather than looking only at changing numbers on scales or measuring sticks; monitor progress based on energy levels and overall capability and mobility.
Do You Have a Senior Loved One with Declining Health and Mobility?
If you have a senior loved one living at home who struggles with declining health and mobility, a senior care service can help encourage activity or provide help with things your loved one can no longer do. If you live in the Havertown, Media, Newtown Square, Ambler, Glenside, or Montgomery County area, Senior Helpers Havertown can help. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services.