Don’t Think Seniors Need to Exercise? Think Again.

Senior Care in Charlotte, NC – Being Physically Active is a Vital Part of Overall Health

s your parent ages, they may need physical exercise more than you think. The physical activity does not have to be strenuous; it could be as simple as taking a walk for about half an hour. Adding an hour or two of exercise to your senior’s lifestyle can help keep him or her fit and healthy, for preventative measures as well as your own wellbeing. Here are a few reasons why keeping fit may be just what you and your parent needs:

• Exercise prevents osteoporosis which is a bone disease that comes about from weak bones. It makes your bones stronger and as you grow older physical exercise may lessen your chances of getting it.
• Exercise helps you control your weight and avoid being obese. Obesity may lead to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Exercise may help prevent and delay the onset of such diseases.
• Exercise helps in keeping your parent healthy and strong. It keeps their muscles fit and enable them to carry out certain tasks when they are older with ease.
• Exercise makes you more flexible and increases your reaction time to events.

How to Add Exercise Into Your Senior’s Schedule

The most important type of exercises that will help you get the most out of your work out includes endurance, strength training, balance and stretching. Look up exercise that’s safe for an elderly person so that you can help your parent with easing into a new routine. Having a caregiver will also help with daily tasks and encouraging your senior parent to do her exercises each day. Below are some ideas for types of exercising. You’ll also find out how they can help your elderly loved one:

• Endurance training strengthens the heart rate and breathing rate making your heart and lungs stronger. Some of these exercises are walking, running, biking and swimming. These are activities you can do in your own neighborhood or in a community centre.
• Strength training involves push ups or pull ups and lifting weights to enable you lift things around the house.
• Balance helps you move around with ease and prevents you from falling. It could be as simple as standing on one foot for a time.
• Stretching helps keep you flexible and includes yoga and Pilates.

Before you start any fitness activity, remember to consult a doctor. If you’re at all worried, you can ask your parent’s physician for any recommendations for appropriate exercise activities or advice. It’s important to keep your parent’s safety as the first priority when thinking of beginning any new routine. Talk to your caregiver if you have one that cares for your parent, for ideas from them as well, because they’re used to helping seniors.