Importance of Regular Exercise:
Doctors often recommend strength training to seniors to keep muscles and joints functioning at their best ability. 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”. Unfortunately, for many seniors, aching joints and arthritis often act to discourage making healthy exercise part of a daily routine. Here are some low impact exercises for seniors.
Water Aerobics:
Water aerobics can be the solution to this problem. It provides a fun, low impact exercises for seniors. This regime allows them to stay active. Although the best choice would be to find a certified water aerobics instructor, there are several water exercises that one can do without the help of a trainer.
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. If walking across the pool proves to be too much, marching in place can also be quite effective. To add difficulty to this exercise one can add hand weights or the speed of walking.
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.
Although water aerobics 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 our or swim alone, its more fun to try water aerobics with a friend anyway!
Aside from regular exercise, as your loved one ages they may need more comprehensive care.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Helps Seniors in Springfield
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Springfield 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 (908) 373-5300. 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 Twitter or LinkedIn.
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