Exercise is a primary component of staying healthy well into the golden years. However, a person’s flexibility, strength, and agility begin to decrease after the age of 50, and this can pose a few challenges for getting the right types and amount of exercise. To combat these age-related changes, workouts can be modified using these effective strategies.
Choose Low-Impact Cardio
Those with health conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis may find their former favorite exercises, such as running, are no longer comfortable or safe. Alternative exercises, including cycling, spinning, and water aerobics, can all provide the same cardiovascular benefits without the added strain on bones and joints.
With the help of a professional caregiver, your loved one can exercise safely at home. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Montgomery, AL, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
Focus on Flexibility
Younger athletes often skip stretching before and after their workouts. However, older adults need to promote elasticity in their ligaments and tendons to reduce the chances of post-workout soreness or injuries. A good stretch will also keep the fluids moving through joints affected by arthritis. Doing floor stretches or using a resistance band can help seniors fully stretch when bending and reaching is uncomfortable.
Accommodate for Lack of Balance
Injury prevention is an important concern for seniors who exercise, but problems with balance don’t mean seniors have to skip workouts. Instead, a sturdy piece of furniture or equipment can be used as support during workouts. Chair exercises can also provide an efficient workout that doesn’t include the risk of falling. Seniors with mobility limitations can also benefit from having caregivers close by to offer support and assistance.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading home care service provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Use the Buddy System
Active seniors should remember anything could happen during a workout. Those who walk or jog on outdoor trails may want to find partners who could provide assistance in case of emergency. Group exercise classes can also add a social component that provides more motivation for sticking to workout plans.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. Montgomery families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call us at (334) 593-3988 to create a customized in-home care plan.