Staying active is important throughout life. Routine exercise promotes good blood flow, regulates blood pressure, builds bone mass and density, and much more. It also helps aging adults maintain an acceptable range of motion, good balance, and motor control. For seniors with limited mobility, regular exercise is especially vital. These individuals can maintain routine fitness plans to boost physical abilities and bolster their health. Before getting started with an exercise program, your senior loved one should always consult with his or her doctor. Here are a few great fitness tips for seniors with limited mobility.
Choose Water-Based Activities
One of the primary concerns among aging adults with limited mobility is the risk of falls. Water activities can eliminate this risk because the water supports the body. Moreover, activities like water aerobics and water ballet are non-impact forms of movement, which means no stress is being placed on the joints and bones.
Caring for a senior loved one with limited mobility can be especially challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in University Park, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Balance Cardiovascular & Strength Training
At every stage of life, good fitness entails a comfortable balance between cardiovascular and strength training. Cardiovascular exercise is anything that puts the body in a continuous state of motion, while strength training includes repetitions and sets of exercises that target specific muscle groups and include structured periods of rest.
Water exercises such as swimming and water aerobics are great for cardiovascular fitness. Seated activities such as front raises and bicep curls performed with small handheld weights can be added to your loved one’s fitness routine, increasing the amount of strength training he or she receives.
Start Small
When starting a new exercise plan, your loved one should avoid overexertion. Even a very small amount of physical exercise is better than none at all. As strength and endurance increase, your loved one can raise the level of intensity in the workout plans and start working to increase his or her range of motion.
Seniors who need assistance with exercise can benefit greatly from the help of trained professional caregivers. Senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Eliminate Fall Hazards in the Workout Area
Before beginning any new exercise routines, it’s important for seniors and their caregivers to create safe spaces free of all tripping hazards and other fall risks. This includes removing loose cords, rugs, and any clutter. Having a stable surface to hold on to or a sturdy chair to sit in is also ideal.
Warm Up, Cool Down, & Stay Hydrated
A complete workout plan should include structured warm-up and cool-down periods. These are essential for preventing both injuries and post-workout muscle soreness. Seniors who are working to increase their activity levels should also increase their water intake. Keeping a large water bottle on hand and sipping from it throughout the day is far better for achieving an optimal level of hydration than attempting to drink large quantities of water at once.
To help your loved one stay safe when maintaining a fitness routine, consider hiring a professional caregiver to assist with exercise and daily mobility. In University Park, elder care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, call us at (214) 363-3400 today.