Did you know our eyes—like the rest of our bodies—can benefit from workouts? As we age, our vision needs regular care to function optimally. While regular check-ups with an opthalmologist are a priority, practicing simple senior eye exercises may provide benefits.
Positive Potential of Senior Eye Exercises
Vision conditioning might seem trivial, but it may offer several advantages for elderly relatives:
- Regularly exercising the eyes can help sustain visual acuity and overall vision health.
- Many older adults experience vision strain from reading or watching TV activities. Vision training may alleviate this discomfort.
- Though current research is inconclusive, engaging in vision therapy may delay the onset of conditions like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Simple Vision Activities to Try at Home
Adding senior eye exercises to daily routines doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few simple techniques that golden-agers can try with the approval of their ophthalmologist or primary healthcare provider:
- Palming can help relax the eyesight and reduce stress. Rub your palms together until warm, then gently place them over your closed eyes for 2-3 minutes. Open your eyes and blink.
- Eye Rolling improves eye-muscle coordination. Start by slowly rolling your eyes in circles from left to right, then switch to right to left. Repeat 5-10 times.
- Focus Shifting helps enhance your focusing ability and vision muscle control; try alternating focus between a nearby object and a distant one for 2 to 5 minutes.
Tips for Making Vision Therapy Part of an Elderly’s Daily Routine
Making eyesight training an enjoyable and productive part of daily life can enhance their effectiveness. Here are some tips to help:
- Designate a specific time each day for ocular training for better consistency.
- Integrate activities while watching TV, during commercials, or while reading.
- Set alarms or use sticky notes as reminders to perform vision exercises.
- Encourage older adults to exercise with a friend or family member, making it fun and engaging.
- Modify routines to suit individual capabilities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Play soothing music or gentle audio prompts to make the workouts more enjoyable.
- Create a calm space free from distractions to make the activities more effective.
- Praise and encourage older retirees for their effort and consistency, making them feel accomplished.
We Support Older Adults Whole Body Wellness Programs
Supporting regular senior eye exercises is vital for caregivers to help maintain their vision and reduce the risk of age-related conditions. For those seeking personalized elderly care services in Cayce, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, and West Columbia, Senior Helpers Lexington, SC, is here to assist. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your loved one.