Exercising keeps the mind and body sharp as seniors age, reducing the risk of developing issues such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, and hypertension. Family caregivers need to encourage their aging loved ones to exercise regularly to receive the most benefits. Here are some of the best exercises for the elderly and how each activity can benefit their overall health.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways for seniors to boost their cardiovascular health. Regular walks through the neighborhood or on the treadmill at home can help your loved one reduce pain and stave off osteoporosis. Walking on a regular basis could increase longevity and allow your loved one to maintain independence while aging in place. While walking, your parent can burn off calories, decrease cravings for sugary foods, and boost his or her mental and physical wellbeing.
Seniors who need assistance with exercising can benefit from the help of a professional caregiver with expertise and experience in elderly care. La Mesa, CA, seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions can exercise safely with the assistance of a caregiver.
Swimming
Most adults shy away from exercising in the senior years out of fear of experiencing an accident or injury. However, low-impact exercises can prevent your loved one from falling and breaking a bone or experiencing a head trauma. Swimming is one of the best low-impact exercises for older adults because it increases strength and endurance, leading to a healthier heart, stronger muscles, and better flexibility. Swimming can also enhance mental acuity and boost mood. Your loved one doesn’t have to worry about putting more stress or strain on his or her body while swimming due to the buoyancy of the water.
Doing Pilates
Exercises that focus on core strength and stability are ideal for seniors. Your loved one can do Pilates to build muscle strength, especially in muscles that are more prone to injury. Pilates exercises increase stability and balance without adding pressure to the joints. Keep in mind seniors lose some of their balance and coordination due to aging, but doing Pilates could increase their motor skills. Taking a Pilates class could also give your loved one the opportunity to interact with other people. Socialization can reduce depression and prevent heart disease.
Weightlifting
Many adults experience muscle loss as they age, increasing the risk of fat gain and muscle weakness. Weight lifting is a strength training exercise that can help seniors develop muscle mass, increase bone density, manage body weight, and boost metabolism. Your loved one will need to check with a doctor or trainer at the gym to determine how often he or she should lift weights and how much to lift to prevent injuries.
Even if seniors have mobility issues or health challenges, they can still get the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of a trained professional caregiver. For compassionate, reliable senior care, including Alzheimer’s and dementia home care, La Mesa families count on Coast Care Partners. Our dedicated caregivers help older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including exercise, preparing healthy meals, and medication reminders. For more information about our in-home care services, call us today at 619-354-2544.
