Exercise is an important part of staying healthy!  This is particularly true for seniors, who must regularly perform exercise to maintain their cardiovascular health, muscle mass and bone density. All Heart Home Care understand the importance on educating individuals in light exercise ideas for seniors.

Unfortunately, it can become difficult to perform certain types of exercises when you become older.  Health conditions like heart disease, pulmonary fibrosis and osteoarthritis can make exercises like running or lifting weights difficult.  Certain medications can also make certain types of exercise hard to perform.

Fortunately, there are many different forms of “light exercise” that can be enjoyed by seniors.  These exercises are safe, comfortable, and most importantly — effective at maintaining your health.  This article will highlight the importance of exercise for seniors, then offer 6 light exercise ideas for seniors.

The importance of exercise for seniors

Exercise carries significant benefits including:

• Improved healing
  

  Scientists have discovered that seniors who regularly exercise will heal at a faster rate. Any cuts or bruises that you have will heal as much as 20% faster!  Also, having a healthy body helps you fight off infections and recover from illnesses faster.

• Disease prevention

  Research from the National Institute of Aging shows that exercise can prevent or slow certain diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. This is one of the reasons why seniors who exercise have longer lifespans than those that don’t.

• Exercise improves your agility
  

  Exercising gives you better control over your body. You will be able to walk more confidently and maintain your balance more easily.  This reduces the risk of having a fall — one of the most common ways that seniors injure themselves.

• A happier life!

  Researchers have discovered that seniors who exercise are less likely to suffer from a mental illness. Exercise is a natural way to produce endorphins — a brain chemical that makes you feel great.  Endorphins help to prevent mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.  Your stress levels will be lower and you feel relaxed after exercising.

• Exercise increases social inclusion
  

  Exercising is a great way to socialize with other people. It can help a senior retain their connection with friends and relatives.

Six light exercise ideas for seniors

The following light exercise ideas are effective, affordable, and highly rewarding.  Most of these exercises can be performed individually or in a group and are very safe for seniors to perform.

Walking

Walking is a rewarding activity that can be performed both indoors and outdoors.  Some of the benefits of walking include:

• Walking improves cardiovascular health
• It helps you lose weight by burning calories
• No equipment is required other than a good pair of walking shoes
• Strengthening the bones and muscles
• Increases vitamin D levels from the sun, which is important for brain health
• improves your mood
• A great way to socialize with friends

Swimming

Seniors who are in good health can incorporate swimming into their exercise regime.  Swimming improves joint health, cardiovascular health, lower body strength, and upper body strength.  It is very low impact and can be performed by seniors who have issues with their joints that prevent them from walking long distances.  If a senior does not have the fitness required to swim laps, they can perform water aerobics.

Yoga

Yoga has many well-documented health benefits and can improve a person’s flexibility, balance, posture, strength, and overall health.  Additionally, it is also an excellent way to relieve stress!  Seniors who aren’t well enough to perform a standard yoga routine can try chair yoga.

Seniors aerobics

Aerobic exercises are fantastic for improving the health of your cardiovascular system and lungs.  Seniors aerobics is a special form of aerobics designed to suit older people.  The exercises are low impact and designed for people who may have existing health conditions.  There are also special aerobic exercises which can be performed by seniors while seated.

Stretching

The simple act of stretching can improve a senior’s health.  It can help to keep the joints healthy, reduce stress, and maintain good balance.  There are many stretching routines for seniors available online.

Light weights

Lifting weights can help prevent bones loss and muscle loss.  It can also help keep joints functioning well.  Start off by using light weights and aim for high repetitions.  Seniors can even lift household items like bags of flour to stay fit!

How All Heart Home Care Can Help

All Heart Home Care provides professional Caregivers to work in a client’s home.  Our caregivers can help clients perform exercises or provide transport to venues where exercise will be performed.   Some of the services provided by All Heart Home Care include:

• Cooking and grocery shopping
• Assistance with stretching
• Personal hygiene care
• Assistance with walking
• Medication management
• Transportation to doctor’s appointments and social engagements
• Laundry and domestic cleaning
• Much more!

If you are interested in learning more about light exercise ideas for seniors and All Heart Home Care services, contact us today at 619-736-4677 for a free in-home consultation.