Many seniors think they don’t need to exercise in old age. However, exercise isn’t just useful for seniors who want to bike for miles or compete in weightlifting competitions. Regularly exercising has plenty of benefits that can enhance overall quality of life. Seniors who exercise can enjoy these great advantages.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Exercising strengthens the circulatory system. Seniors who do cardio exercise strengthen their hearts so they don’t have to work as hard to pump blood through the body. High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, so this benefit of exercise could literally save a senior’s life. High blood pressure is also associated with a wide range of other health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, eyesight loss, and erectile dysfunction.
Some aging adults prefer to exercise at home, and they do it safely with the help of professional in-home caregivers. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of in-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Boosts Emotional Health
Regularly exercising can decrease depression and anxiety, which are two of the most common emotional disorders among seniors. Exercising also encourages seniors to go out, be active, and make friends so they don’t feel bored and lonely. Seniors with anxiety disorders can also benefit from exercise because it can lower the likelihood of panic attacks occurring.
Increases Mobility
Retaining mobility in old age allows seniors to stay independent and move around easily. When seniors exercise, they can maintain their bones, muscles, and joints. All of these benefits combine to increase overall mobility. Seniors who retain strength and flexibility can more easily manage their daily tasks.
Seniors with limited mobility may need assistance with exercise and other daily tasks. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Livingston Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Prevents Broken Bones
Most seniors worry about experiencing a fall that could end up causing serious health issues. Seniors who regularly exercise are less likely to experience broken bones during accidents. The act of exercising builds nerve connections and muscles that increase balance, so seniors who exercise are less likely to fall in the first place. Weight-bearing exercises also build a strong cushion of muscle, strengthen bones, and delay the development of osteoporosis, so seniors who do fall experience less damage.
Alleviates Arthritis Symptoms
Exercising helps seniors manage arthritis because it reduces joint swelling and increases joint flexibility. The muscles built by exercise help joints move properly and protects them from arthritic pain. Seniors with arthritis typically benefit from gentle cardio or slow weightlifting, and they can talk to their doctors to get recommendations for exercise.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Livingston families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.
