Regular exercise for seniors can help keep joints healthy.
Did you know for each and every pound of weight we lose, we reduce four pounds of pressure from our knees, and as many as six pounds from our hips? This is certainly great incentive for everyone to stay active, regardless of age! Most notably for older adults, however, who are susceptible to joint pain from arthritis along with other conditions of aging, combining a fitness program into the day-to-day routine could make a major difference in decreasing pain.
With approval from the senior’s physician, Grace Home Care recommends the following exercises for seniors to help maintain healthy joints:
- Get started with a warm-up. Prior to exercising, your loved one should always start out with gentle bending and stretching moves, such as reaching up overhead, bending down and touching the toes (or as close as possible without causing discomfort), side bends, and moving the arms in slow, wide circles.
- Swim a lap or two. Swimming is a fantastic low-impact aerobic fitness exercise, and simply being in the water is tremendously relaxing for both your mind and the body as well. Try to find a senior swim class, or simply join your parent in swimming a few laps at his / her own pace.
- Get in some strength training. Lifting weights can be accomplished any time and anyplace and at just about any fitness level. Resistance bands, hand weights or even bottles of water are great for building upper body strength. Your loved one should start light and gradually work up to an increased difficulty level – again, with recommendations from the physician.
- Take a hike. There is nothing quite as stimulating and energizing as going for a walk outdoors, when weather permits. Walking through the neighborhood supplies the added benefit of socializing with friends on the way; or locate a wooded trail to take pleasure from the quiet beauty of nature.
- Try something new. Seek advice from the local senior center or gym to find a course your loved one might like to try, such as yoga or tai chi. Register for the class together and get the added benefit of creating some fun new memories with the senior!
At Grace Home Care, the leaders in dementia care in Topeka, it’s always our desire to help older adults enjoy life to the fullest, and also to remain as active and engaged as possible – boosting both physical and emotional wellbeing. We’re always on hand to provide senior transportation and accompaniment to exercise courses or any other activities of interest in Topeka and the surrounding area. Contact or call us at 708-286-2273 to make the first step in helping your senior loved one realize a healthier and happier quality of life!