The need for physical activity doesn’t go away just because someone gets older. Seniors should still strive to work some form of exercise into their daily routines, but they do need to modify their workouts as they age. These six guidelines are important for helping seniors stay fit and safe.
1. Consult a Physician Before Starting a New Exercise Program
The latest workout fad may look fun, but it could be dangerous for seniors who are out of shape. Seniors with serious health issues, such as heart disease, could put their health in jeopardy if they try to do workouts that are too strenuous. Have your aging loved one talk to the doctor before diving into a new workout program. The doctor may have a few recommendations for how your loved one can begin a new regimen without harming his or her health.
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s ability to exercise safely, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide assistance. Windermere elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Do Some Type of Physical Activity Every Day
Movement is the main idea when it comes to seniors and physical activity. There may be some days when your loved one is too tired or sick to do a major workout. On these days, encourage him or her to move around the house as much as possible. Even walking to the kitchen for a cup of coffee is considered light physical activity.
3. Aim for 150 Minutes of Moderate Activity Each Week
When seniors are feeling well, they should aim for about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five days of the week. This can be broken up into 10-minute sessions to make the physical activity more feasible for seniors who aren’t accustomed to exercising much. Moderate activity might include things such as walking or doing water aerobics.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, a professional caregiver can take over for you. Altamonte Springs respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Include Balance & Strength Training Exercises
Seniors also need to focus on strengthening their muscles. Fit seniors might use light hand weights to do some simple bicep curls. Those who are just beginning to be more active may prefer strength exercises they can do in a chair, such as leg lifts. Balance exercises such as standing on one foot can be done with help or by holding on to the chair for support.
5. Look for Low-Impact Forms of Exercise
Physical activity is important, but seniors also need to protect their joints. Low-impact forms of exercise help seniors stay active without joint pain. Walking, swimming, and yoga are all wonderful ways to work out without pounding the ground hard enough to hurt the joints.
6. Ask for Assistance with New or Difficult Exercises
As your loved one makes progress with his or her fitness level, he or she may want to try other forms of exercise. Let your loved one know he or she should always ask for help when trying something that could cause him or her to experience a loss of balance or get winded too fast. Having someone nearby can also help your loved one feel safer when doing daily workouts.
Seniors who need assistance setting up and following safe exercise plans can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Prestige Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (407) 232-7155 to learn about the high quality of our premier in-home care.