Exercises for Seniors
Uncover the Myths and Truths Surrounding Seniors and Exercise
The positive factors of remaining physically active are extensive and apply to everyone, young and old alike. Very often when we hear professionals make suggestions for people to become more physically active, we incorrectly think that they are encouraging us to become athletes, runners, or body builders. We may also erroneously think that we need to hire a personal trainer, join a gym, or sign up for a 5K. Instead, what experts are motivating people to do is really quite simple – get your body in action and keep it moving as much as you can. This applies to seniors and exercise just as much as it is to their younger counterparts. As a matter of fact, seniors may even benefit more than younger adults from staying active.
If you think about it, moving can consist of a very wide range … Read More »
Is Exercise for Seniors Safe, or Could It Be Dangerous?
It’s no problem at all for us to get plenty of exercise while we’re young; physical activity is just a natural part of our hectic, daily lives. As we grow older, however, it’s not uncommon for the pace of life to slow down, sometimes quite dramatically; and there are many people who assume that with aging comes a reduced need for physical activity, or maybe even that exercise for seniors could be dangerous.
The good news, however, is that these assumptions are completely false. Studies have shown that routine exercise for seniors offers both physical and psychological benefits in older adults, and that even just a small amount of exercise can go a long way. The Office of Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shares that an exercise plan can:
Lower the level of disability in older adults
Improve … Read More »
Safely Exercise at Home with the Help of Senior Home Care
A body at rest remains at rest. If exercise hasn’t been a regular part of someone’s everyday routine, there are years of ingrained behavior that need to be overcome when attempting to make activity a part of a senior’s daily life. Making regular activity a part of an older person’s routine will make it easier for him or her to remember to exercise. Incorporate exercise at home into a daily routine for seniors to meet goals, keeping these tips in mind:
For someone with frailty, simply getting up and down out of a chair unassisted utilizes muscles that will benefit from movement.
First focus on individual goals, concerns, and any barriers standing in the way of exercise.
After enlisting the recommendations of the senior’s physician, even frail seniors should be able to exercise at home, following a plan to help them improve strength … Read More »
How to Overcome Roadblocks to Exercise and Improve Senior Fitness
Getting into a routine exercise regimen is challenging at any age. Working out is tiring. We don’t want to invest the time. We’re feeling sore from yesterday’s exercising. We’ve all made excuses like these for not exercising; but frailty and advanced age make it even more difficult to stick to an exercise plan and maintain senior fitness.
Hired Hands Homecare wants to help seniors remain active with tips to overcome the following common senior fitness roadblocks:
Self-confidence: It’s normal for older adults to feel overwhelmed with the idea of meeting exercise goals. It can help to begin slowly with exercises that are easily accomplished and advance gradually; and, motivate the senior with frequent encouragement.
Attitude: Attitude is everything when it comes to physical fitness. If approached negatively, it will be much harder to maintain an effective exercise regimen. Choose activities that will be … Read More »
From Frail to Fit: Best Exercises for Seniors
The benefits of exercise don’t diminish as we age, and it’s incredibly important for older adults to maintain as active a lifestyle as possible. Even those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound have a full range of options available to strengthen, improve resistance and flexibility.
The first step is always to check with the physician to get a recommendation on the best exercises for seniors that fit with your loved one’s activity level and medical history. Initially, exercising even for as little as a few minutes a day, repeated several times throughout the day, can greatly enhance the senior’s health and wellbeing.
Following are several examples of the best exercises for seniors:
Aerobic Exercises: If whole body movements aren’t possible, exercises from a seated position are available to build cardio strength. When possible, good options include:
Swimming or water aerobics
Dancing
Walking
Tai Chi
Bowling
Resistance Exercises: To build and … Read More »
