5 Easy Exercises for the Elderly

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Simple Exercises for Older Adults in Montgomery, AL

Maintaining a consistent exercise routine can keep older adults healthy and independent and prevent illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. To get your senior loved one moving, here are five easy exercise options that can greatly benefit his or her mental and physical health.

1. Squats

Doing squats makes legs stronger and hips more flexible, and it can also keep the quadriceps strong, making it easier for your loved one to get in and out of an automobile and rise from a chair. Squats are also a crucial exercise adults should do to maintain their strength and balance as they age. Seniors with bad knees and those who don’t have a full range of motion can use a chair for balance to do their squats.

Many seniors need help maintaining a consistent exercise routine. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care. Montgomery Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

2. Water Aerobics

Working out in the water mixes strength training with cardiovascular exercises that provide a low-impact workout. The water takes the stress off the joints and provides the opportunity to build endurance and strengthen muscles as they move. Exercising in the water can also relieve symptoms of arthritis.

3. Wall Push-Ups

Traditional push-ups are often difficult for seniors to perform, especially if they’re reluctant to do workouts on the floor or have issues with their lower spine. Wall push-ups are the perfect alternative to traditional push-ups and offer an older adult lacking in upper body strength the same benefits. Doing wall push-ups can strengthen the upper back, shoulders, chest, and arms.

4. Single Leg Stands

Older adults can do one-leg stands safely by putting the back of a chair in front of them so they won’t lose their balance. Doing one-leg stance exercises can help seniors maintain their equilibrium, stability, and balance. A study done by lead researcher Dr. Yasuharu Tabara of Kyoto University stated that the ability of a senior to balance on one leg for 20 seconds or more is also a crucial test for brain health. The research also stated seniors who aren’t able to stand on one leg for at least 20 seconds are at a higher risk of having a silent stroke. A silent stroke is when small bleeds happen in the brain that don’t cause any symptoms but still raise the risk of having a stroke or getting dementia. 

If you are caring for an aging loved with dementia and are overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Montgomery respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

5. Gentle Yoga

Gentle yoga is ideal for older adults of all fitness levels or those with physical challenges. The movements are less challenging and slower, which can nurture the connective tissue and joints. Seniors learn breathing techniques to increase their lung capacity and exercises that can help them maintain strength and flexibility, which can prevent fractures and falls. Older adults will also learn gentle stretching exercises during yoga that can reduce their arthritis pain.

From exercising regularly to making healthy lifestyle choices, seniors may need help with an array of tasks. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Montgomery, AL, families trust in Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (334) 593-3988 today.

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