Starting a new exercise routine as an aging adult might feel intimidating. As long as their doctors recommend exercise for them, they should be able to try a variety of different movement options. The idea is to do a mix of different exercises that they enjoy, which helps them stay consistent. Moving more on a consistent basis keeps seniors as active as possible, which is a big part of keeping them healthy and happy. Senior home care providers can help seniors figure out what they enjoy and the best routines for exercising regularly.
Low-impact Stretching
Stretching exercises can do double and even triple duty for seniors when it comes to getting the benefits of movement. These are activities like yoga, Pilates, or even just stretching. Not only do they loosen up joints and muscles, but stretching exercises can help seniors to improve their balance and build up core strength. Doing stretching exercises before bed or right after getting up can help seniors deal with all sorts of stiffness, aches, and pains.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercises are ones that boost cardiovascular function, including not just the heart but also the lungs. These types of exercises also help seniors build up their stamina, which can be important if they haven’t been as active as they want to be. Swimming, water aerobics, riding a stationary bike, or walking are all great aerobic exercises. Many aging adults find it’s easier to engage in aerobic exercise with a companion, which can include home care providers.
Resistance Training
Resistance training is a type of strength training. This might involve using resistance bands, doing bodyweight exercises, or lifting weights. Some of the exercises in this category could include stair climbs, squats, wall pushups, and resistance band stretches. Resistance training helps seniors to reduce the muscle loss that is common for aging adults. They may also burn body fat as they build muscle, which can be helpful if they’re having weight management issues.
Balance Exercises
Specific exercises to improve balance can come from any of the above categories, too. Walking, for instance, offers cardiovascular benefits. But it also helps to improve balance as seniors walk more. One-legged stretching poses, like many of the ones used in yoga, can also help seniors improve their balance. These exercises are important to include because they can help to reduce fall risk factors and keep seniors safer. Senior home care providers can help aging adults gradually improve their balance by working with them to find exercises they enjoy and stick with them.
Starting a new exercise program doesn’t have to mean that seniors exercise all day or do exercises they hate. It’s much better for them to find the movements they like and stick to those. Exercises that fit more than one category can make exercise time even more efficient. Senior home care providers can help aging adults establish routines around movement. Those routines keep seniors coming back to their movement plan and can also help them remember why they want to keep exercising.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Elizabeth, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. (888) 664-1769
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