Even though Parkinson’s cannot be cured, there are ways seniors can try to handle and slow their symptoms. If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s disease, implementing an exercise routine can delay the progression of certain motor symptoms. To help your loved one address his or her symptoms, here are some exercises for seniors with Parkinson’s.
1. Stretching
For seniors with Parkinson’s, stretching is very important to prevent the muscles from stiffening. Each stretching session should begin slowly and smoothly. Have your loved one sit tall in a chair and turn in each direction until the back feels stretched and then repeat the same motion in the opposite direction. Stretching ensures your loved one maintains as wide a range of motion as possible and keeps the joints and muscles limber.
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most serious health issues among the elderly. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Montgomery seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
2. Walking
Walking is a great form of exercise for seniors in the first three stages of Parkinson’s because it increases the body’s range of movement and flexibility while also helping the body release toxins through sweat. This exercise is particularly great because it can also offer opportunities for relaxation, enjoyment, and bonding.
For the best results, walking should be done after some light stretching and should start at a slow, comfortable pace before working up to a more challenging speed. As an added benefit, walking releases feel-good hormones.
From walking to performing basic housekeeping tasks, older adults with Parkinson’s disease may need help with an array of activities. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
3. Strength Training
While strength training is typically reserved for bodybuilders, it also has many benefits for seniors. Though dumbbells are cumbersome and may fall on toes, elastic resistance bands can achieve similar muscle-building results. To start, give your loved one a resistance band and have him or her hold on to each end. Then have your loved one pull his or her arms apart and bring them back together in a controlled manner. Squats and lunges may also be great muscle-building exercises for the lower body, increasing muscle mass, stability, and mobility.
4. Swimming
Swimming can be a lot of fun, and it can also offer several health benefits when done regularly. Since the water absorbs most of the impact, seniors can swim without putting stress on their joints and muscles.
If your loved one is a strong swimmer, challenge him or her to complete a few fast laps to increase his or her heart rate and condition his or her muscles. This type of exercise can increase and maintain your loved one’s mobility and independence.
5. Yoga
Yoga trains seniors to control their breathing, and the activity also strengthens the muscles throughout the body while enhancing balance. By practicing yoga, seniors can reduce muscle rigidity and spastic movements.
Many communities offer yoga classes. If your loved one is a bit self-conscious, he or she can practice yoga in the privacy of home by watching instructional DVDs or online videos.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to help your loved one lead a healthy life and reduce some of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Families looking for top-rated Montgomery in-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. To learn more about our highly trained caregivers, call us at (334) 593-3988.