At this point, it has become very clear that seniors need exercise just as much as the younger generation. As such, it’s so important that they find routines that meet their needs in terms of being both appropriately challenging and safe. A popular solution is water-based activities which can provide some of the best workouts for seniors. Aquatic activities for seniors are in high demand because they provide excellent low-impact, low-risk exercise for seniors. Let’s look into water exercises for seniors in Riverdale.
IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR EXERCISE
According to The American Academy of Family Physicians “Regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits in older adults, including improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, lipid profile, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and neurocognitive function”. Doctors often recommend strength training to seniors to keep muscles and joints functioning at their best ability.
ELDERLY WATER EXERCISE FOR STRENGTH BUILDING
For many seniors, pain can be an obstacle when committing to an exercise routine. Unfortunately, for many seniors, aching joints and arthritis often discourage seniors from making healthy exercise part of a daily routine. Fortunately, aquatic exercise is a lot more comfortable for them and cuts back on the possibility of injury. Water’s buoyancy results in little pressure on joints and muscles, but still allows for full range of movement. Stretching and resistance training can both be achieved in the pool with much less effort than on dry land!
Although water exercises for seniors limit joint impact it is always best to speak with a medical professional before making any fitness or lifestyle changes. Also, it is not wise to work out or swim alone, it’s more fun to try water aerobics with a friend anyway!
SOME AQUATIC ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY
WATER AEROBICS:
Water aerobics is a great activity that keeps seniors in shape. It provides a fun, low impact exercise regime to help seniors stay active. The best choice would be to find a certified water aerobics instructor specially trained in assisting the elderly safely. There are trained professionals who are qualified in CPR and other safety measures, water aerobics
WATER WALKING:
Water walking is the perfect low-impact exercise to get the heart pumping. It can be as easy as walking through the water from one side of the pool to the other. The water acts as resistance to help build muscle mass. For an added challenge, add ankle or hand weights or increase the speed of walking. If walking across the pool proves to be too much, marching in place can also be quite effective.
Take your daily walk to the next level with water walking. In this activity, seniors go through the motions of their walking routine in the swimming pool. This activity is wonderful because you can do it alone or in a group.
SWIMMING LAPS:
Many seniors choose swimming as an option since you can do it at any time, go at your own pace, and stop at any time. Like any new activity, if you are new to swimming or have not been swimming laps in a while, you may want to start by consulting a trained professional or take private lessons until you are comfortable in the environment.
SIMPLE LEG-LIFTS:
This one also uses the resistance of the water to work the muscles in the legs without much joint impact. Stand in the shallow end of the pool and grasp the wall. Lift one leg out to the side as far as is comfortable and then place it back down. Repeat until your leg begins to tire, then switch legs.
ARM CURLS:
Starting with your hands at your sides, bend at the elbow and lift hands toward face with palms facing up. The water will work as resistance in this exercise as well, but the addition of hand or water weights will increase the results.
WATER EXERCISES FOR SOCIALIZING
Not only do water-based activities provide the exercise that senior bodies require, they also fulfill social needs. Because pools are typically available in shared spaces like community centers, these aquatic classes force seniors to socialize. Water aerobics classes provide fun social interaction and all the health benefits of aerobic exercise. Senior classes meet the needs and safety concerns of seniors. Furthermore, seniors-only classes are designed specifically for seniors, utilizing oldies music and simplified exercises to keep everyone happy and healthy.
Aside from regular exercise, as your loved one ages, they may need more comprehensive care….
DAVID YORK AGENCY HOMECARE HELPS SENIORS IN RIVERDALE
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and the elderly. We are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and downs. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Riverdale that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on X or LinkedIn.
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