Many of us treasure the memories of our childhoods spent running, jumping, and participating in physical games with our parents. There were times when it seemed impossible for them to keep up with our unlimited energy. I wish it would go on forever!
In actuality, aging itself has a negative impact on our capacity for mobility. But that does not mean that older people shouldn’t be active. Living a sedentary lifestyle without enough exercise can cause a variety of health issues such as diabetes, cancer, cognitive decline, and heart failure. Many senior citizens make it a habit to daily go for a leisurely walk. Even if movement is beneficial, it might not be sufficient to keep them independent, healthy, and alive for a longer period of time.
If you’re a family member or caregiver to an elderly person, it’s crucial to motivate your loved one to establish a fitness program that will maintain their well-being and increase mobility. However, how do you begin?
Before beginning any exercise program, the first step would be to consult with the family doctor about your elderly loved one. They will be able to give you information about the person’s skills, allowing you to properly personalize their curriculum.
The four types of mobility-improving exercise recommended for older adults:
Every exercise program involves certain objectives that the user intends to accomplish. The National Institute on Aging suggests that older persons should concentrate on the following types of exercise to assist them to reach their fitness objectives.
1. Endurance; These workouts increase your energy by improving the function of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. You can increase your endurance by riding, swimming, dancing, tennis, low-impact yard work, and brisk walking or jogging that makes you slightly sweat.
2. Balance; Exercise that maintains balance can help reduce the risk of fall-related injuries, which are common in older persons. Excellent methods for enhancing balance include yoga and tai chi. Your loved one may make new friends and find the routines more enjoyable by participating in a class.
3. Flexibility; Through exercises that improve flexibility, the elderly persons in your life will move more freely, become more nimble, and suffer less stiffness. A person can increase their mobility and maintain flexibility by engaging in a variety of stretching or yoga exercise.
4. Strength; Mobility can also be improved through strength training by developing and maintaining muscles in the arms, legs, back, and hips. Many people improve their muscle’s flexibility and strength by using weights, bands, or even soup cans.
Always put your safety first. To keep an eye on the person’s well-being, be present at all times during the routines. Make sure they let you know if they suffer any of the conditions during endurance exercise: dizziness, chest pain or pressure, or a feeling resembling heartburn. Keep water on hand for hydration, and assist the client if they require any support while exercising.
Better yet- take part! when done together, physical activity and exercise are always enjoyable.
The benefits of improved mobility:
Improved mobility encourages your loved ones to perform housework, yard work, and other basic household activities, which improves their interaction with their grandchildren, dance at a family wedding, and helps them maintain their independence.
Additional crucial health benefits of “keep moving” include the following:
1. Reduces the Risks of Diseases:
Exercise improves cardiovascular health, which lowers the risk of diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, and many other disorders. Seniors can maintain their health and avoid serious illnesses by participating in low-intensity exercises like walking and water aerobics.
2. More Social Interaction:
For seniors, social interaction is important because a lack of it can result in depression and isolation- which is a never-ending cycle. Mobility programs, especially those offered at the “Lenity Management”- a community-based event that promotes interaction among elders, the development of connections, and the maintenance of good health.
3. Maintain weight:
Seniors with joint pain and limited mobility are more likely to let their weight go out of control, which can result in obesity and excess weight. This may affect a number of illnesses, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Seniors can stay healthy by maintaining or losing weight with the assistance of mobility and physical exercise, along with a balanced diet and better sleep.
4. Increase Energy and Stamina:
People will gain more energy and stamina the more they engage in physical activity. Seniors are bound by the same rules. Higher levels of endurance and stamina can encourage independence while also allowing people to engage in more social activities. Additionally, this exercise can strengthen their bones, joints, and muscles, which lowers their chance of falling.
“Seniors who are physically and mentally sound tend to value possibilities for personal independence and more self-care”
5. Improve Mental Health:
Mobility exercise not only benefits people’s physical health but can also help them think more clearly. Regular exercise can improve moods, reduce stress, and relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The Most significant benefit of increased mobility activities is that they can improve memory and agility among other cognitive processes.
6. Support Self-Care & Independence:
Seniors who are in good bodily and mental health may value more options for self-care and independence. Seniors frequently feel reenergized to do things on their own, or at least with minimal assistance, from cooking to doing household chores and responsibilities. This may minimize the demand for care in an assisted living facility. Seniors at Lenity Management Community have access to a variety of care alternatives including independent living allowing them to lead the lives they choose. Contact us right away to learn more.
Being a family caregiver for an older loved one is a lovely experience. Making sure your elderly relative receives the care they need to live as independently at home as possible is a hard position that demands for a lot of effort and commitment.
Contact the Lenity Management Community team if you require ongoing support or more assistance on demand. We are experts in offering respectful, compassionate in-home elder care services including meal preparation, personal care, activities, and light company. Our senior care services are designed to have a good effect on your family’s quality of life and to cheer up your loved one’s home.
