Exercise is vital for anyone at any age, but is especially essential for senior citizens. As we age, we become more susceptible to illness and injury, so keeping healthy and fit can be a great asset. Overall good health supports the immune system, and will also promote healthy digestive function, maintain a optimal blood pressure level and even normalize bone density. Senior citizens can mitigate potential risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis by staying active and eating right. The global health crisis has made everything more difficult, but those in assisted living may find it especially challenging. Here in Florida, the lockdowns and mask mandates are all but over. For many, however, as we slowly return to normal we need to continue to encourage older loved ones to resume activity and healthy exercise.
Working on improved balance, endurance and flexibility will assist older people to accomplish everyday tasks more easily. Normal daily activities (ADLS) like getting out of bed on their own, cooking their own meals and taking a walk will be safer and easier when an elderly individual is fit and healthy.
Here are some ideas for exercise and activities that are age appropriate. Please note that seniors should not begin exercising without first consulting their physician.
Balance Training: Staying balanced becomes more difficult the older we get. Senior citizens are more vulnerable to being injured from falling. Feeling unsteady is often the cause of a serious fall that can cause health problems for an elderly person. Therefore working towards achieving equilibrium will help them to stay healthy in general.
Seniors can try standing and balancing on one foot to help with balance. Lunges, toe raises and squats can be performed while holding onto a chair or nearby wall. Many assisted living facilities have in-house fitness centers with balance training equipment, but incorrect usage can cause injury. Residents should schedule an appointment with a staff member to learn about which exercises can help them, as well as how to use the equipment properly to avoid getting hurt.
Endurance Training: A healthy heart is vital for senior citizens, and endurance training is an excellent way to attain this goal. While the word “endurance” may conjure up scary and strenuous images, it simply speaks to any movement which lasts for 20 minutes or more. Taking a walk out in the sunshine, taking a swim in the pool, or taking a dancing class with friends are all ideal for endurance training benefits. Once you find an activity that you find enjoyable, just go for it. If you are comfortable and feel strong enough, holding onto two pound weights will assist in building endurance and strength more rapidly – even through lockdowns.
Flexibility Training: Staying healthy through and after the lockdowns is easier if you work on your flexibility. If you are agile, balance comes more naturally – and you’ll find yourself enjoying fewer aches and pains. One of the best activities to maximize flexibility is yoga, which uses slow and controlled movement to stretch muscles and increase range of motion. Many assisted living facilities provide yoga classes but seniors can also do yoga in the comfort of their own home or room at a facility.
The lockdowns are hopefully close to done, but these easy tips will help you grasp a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
If you are looking for assisted living or memory care in Venice, we invite you to tour the campus of A Banyan Residence. We are committed to the overall health and wellness of all those in our residence.
