Regular exercise is especially important for aging adults because it can prevent diabetes, certain types of cancers, and heart disease, and it can lessen pain related to arthritis. Exercising is also known to increase flexibility, balance, and strength. Doing the following five safe exercises may greatly benefit aging adults and keep them healthy well into the golden years.
1. Ankle and Wrist Rolls
Many aging adults have poor circulation, which can challenge their mobility and balance. Doing ankle and wrist rolls can increase circulation by stimulating feet and hands with a variety of low-intensity moves. These exercises are also a safe and effective option for older adults who want to increase mobility and strengthen and tone muscles.
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s ability to exercise safely, consider hiring a trained professional caregiver to provide assistance. Ambience senior home 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. Water Aerobics
Aqua aerobics is a low-impact exercise that puts less strain on joints while still offering a means of keeping physically active. In addition to boosting metabolism, water-based exercise can increase strength and cardiovascular health and slow down the age-related loss of muscle mass. Moving in the water may also boost emotional wellbeing because it can lessen stress levels and increase the production of endorphins, which boost mood.
3. Chair Squats
This type of squat exercise has a built-in safety feature for aging adults. If seniors lose their balance or have difficulty standing up out of the squats, they can sit, reducing the risk of falling. Doing these squats is a wonderful way to increase hip flexibility and boost balance. This functional exercise can also strengthen the core and lower body to make it easier to take the stairs, get out of chairs, and pick up items from the floor without difficulty.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, a professional caregiver can take over for you. Ambience 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. Wall Push-Ups
Using the wall instead of the floor for this type of push-up puts less strain on the body and makes it easier for seniors to lower and lift themselves, which provides the opportunity to build muscle strength without the risk of falling. Doing this exercise enhances circulatory and cardiovascular health and strengthens the chest, shoulders, and arms with little risk of injury.
5. Walking
Walking is beneficial for seniors because it involves working almost every muscle in the body, and it can be done almost anywhere. This easy yet effective exercise benefits the joints and the cardiovascular system. Going for a power walk can help aging adults increase their balance, oxygen uptake, muscle strength, and mobility. It can also help seniors manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, and high cholesterol.
Seniors who need assistance with exercising safely can benefit from the help of a trained professional caregiver. Ambience elder care 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. Call Ambience In-Home Care today at (469) 573-4213 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.