The advantages of regular exercise do not fade as we get older, and it’s particularly essential for the elderly to keep up as active a lifestyle as possible. Even those who are confined to a bed or who are wheelchair-bound can try a full range of exercises for older adults to help strengthen and boost resistance and flexibility.
The first step is always to consult with the physician to get a recommendation on the best exercises for seniors that match your loved one’s activity level and medical history. At the start, exercising even for as little as a few minutes each day, repeated several times throughout the day, can considerably enhance the older person’s health and wellbeing.
Below are just several examples of the best exercises for older adults:
- Aerobics: If whole body movements aren’t feasible, exercises from a seated position can be substituted to develop cardio strength. When possible, effective options include:
- Water aerobics or swimming
- Dancing
- Walking
- Tai Chi
- Bowling
- Resistance Exercises: To strengthen and build muscles, resistance exercises can be performed with elastic bands, which are available in a number of tensile strengths. The Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences reports that even just one day per week of resistance exercise helps aging adults retain independence and cut back on the chance of injury.
- Stretching Exercises: Stretching exercises help increase flexibility and freedom of movement. Search for yoga classes at local senior or recreation centers.
- Dementia Exercises: In the earlier stages of dementia especially, a full range of exercise opportunities are available, and with enhanced supervision and some alterations, can be continued as the disease progresses. Given that repetition is typically comforting to those with Alzheimer’s disease, activities such as walking, riding a stationary bike, and folding laundry are beneficial to both the person’s physical and mental state.
Motivating an older loved one to begin and then stay with an exercise program is key to success. Try these suggestions to make it something pleasurable that he or she will look forward to:
- Join in an exercise program with your loved one. It’s always more enjoyable to exercise with a buddy.
- Add favorite, upbeat music.
- Set aside dedicated time every day exclusively for physical activity, and make it a priority.
- Designate incentives or rewards for attaining goals.
For more recommendations on the best exercises for older adults, contact Compassionate Care Home Health Services. Our caregivers are experienced in helping older adults thrive and improve their overall wellbeing, and we love nothing more than having the assurance that the older adults in our care are healthy and living life to the fullest! Reach out to us at 877.308.1212 to learn more about the best senior care in Cadillac and the surrounding areas. To learn more about all of the areas we serve in Michigan, please visit our Locations page.