To stay as healthy as possible, most adults of any age should strive to exercise for about 30 minutes most days of the week. The type of exercise largely depends on the individual’s own health status as well as what exercises the doctor says is safe. Typically, the types of exercises seniors should do for optimal health fall into the four major categories outlined below.
Endurance
Also called aerobic exercises, these fitness activities are designed to get the heart rate up. Good low-impact endurance exercises for seniors include brisk walking, swimming, hiking, dancing, or anything that gets the body moving and raises the heart rate for about 30 minutes at a time. If your loved one isn’t used to exercising, walking is a great way to get started, since it’s easy to do and minimal equipment is needed.
Many seniors find walking even more enjoyable with companions. For families living in Pearland, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Strength Training
These exercises, which should be completed a few times a week, typically involve lifting light weights or using resistance bands. Even very light weights can tone the muscles and help seniors complete everyday tasks such as carrying groceries.
If your loved one needs help performing exercises, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Homecare professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Balance
Building strong core muscles and working on balance with exercises like yoga, tai chi, and Pilates can help your loved one feel more stable and prevent falls, which are a common cause of injuries among older adults. A growing number of senior centers and gyms are offering these classes specifically for seniors and their unique needs.
Flexibility
Simple stretching exercises can help muscles remain limber and support mobility with age. These exercises can be done in the comfort of home with little or no equipment required.
If your loved one isn’t sure how to get started, think about incorporating physical activity he or she enjoys, such as gardening or golf, into his or her daily routine. Before your parent begins any exercise plan, talk with his or her doctor to make sure the level of physical activity your loved one is planning is safe.
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 Pearland 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. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
