Please remember to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program especially if you have a history of heart disease or osteoporosis. Exercise is important to help a senior keep their independence by maintaining the ability to walk, keep good posture and balance (helps to reduce risk of falling), and offer some relief from pain caused by arthritis. Exercise helps to maintains joint health and muscle mass and tone.
There are some things to think about when starting to exercise. The National Institute on Aging MedlinePlus website suggests a balanced approach to exercising would include the following:
- Endurance activities - like walking, swimming, or riding a bike - which build "staying power" and improve the health of the heart and circulatory system
- Strengthening exercises which build muscle tissue and reduce age-related muscle loss
- Stretching exercises to keep the body limber and flexible
- Balance exercises to reduce the chances of a fall
Try and make exercise an activity that you can do on a regular basis and have fun with it. Getting a group together to walk is not only good aerobically, but can be an opportunity to socialize. It is a good idea to include relaxation techniques in your routine. Yoga and tai chi are two examples of activities that help with flexibility, stretching, and relaxation. Just remember to exercise safely and take it slowly at first. If you have been ill, do not take up where you left off. Start over again to build body strength and endurance.
*This is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor or health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have and ask if there are activities you should avoid.
Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, Phoenix, Arizona is an assisted living and short term care community. Sometimes limitations and disabilities can make exercise seem like impossibility, but everybody can benefit from some form of activity. Please read our latest post on some suggestions for exercises for chair-bound seniors.
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