Everyone knows that exercise is beneficial — for just about everything! Yet, it still can be so hard to motivate to get going or keep going.
Caregiver in Jacksons Gap AL: Exercise for Seniors
Benefits of Exercise for Seniors
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Lower risk of disease
- Keep moving with better mobility and flexibility
- Reduce risk of falling
- Improve balance
- Build strength
- Increase stamina
- Improve sleep
- Improve brain function
- Improve mood
- Increase self-confidence
- Relieve stress
Obstacles to Exercise
There are plenty of obstacles and reasons it can be hard to motivate to exercise. However, there are plenty of ways over and around each obstacle.
“I have too many aches and pains.”
Exercise is proven to reduce overall aches and pains, and help seniors feel better in spite of them.
“I’m not healthy enough to exercise.”
Check with your doctor to determine an exercise program that will be appropriate within your health limitations.
“I don’t know where to begin.”
Just start somewhere. Consult a personal trainer, a physical therapist, or just get going for a walk.
“I’m not interested in exercise.”
Find a way to make it fun. There are lots of ways to be active, and many of them don’t feel like exercise.
“I can’t exercise because I’m in a wheelchair.”
There are many exercise classes and programs designed for seniors in wheelchairs. Chair specific classes include stretching, yoga, tai chi, and aerobics. Many swimming pools offer wheelchair access. There are also senior wheelchair sports leagues in many areas.
“I’m too busy taking care of my chronically ill spouse”
Senior care services offer in-home respite. Not only is this an excellent way for you to get away from the constant demands of caregiving, it’s also beneficial for your spouse. You will both benefit profoundly when you take better care of your own health.
Suggested Exercises for Seniors
Some of the best exercises for seniors beginning a new exercise program include:
- Walking
- Senior sports leagues
- Senior fitness classes
- Senior water sports
- Senior water aerobics
- Swimming laps
- Senior Yoga
- Senior Tai Chi or Qi Gong
Make it Enjoyable
Find a way to motivate yourself by combining pleasurable activities with the exercise. Examples could include:
- Listen to music or an audiobook while exercising
- Window shop or people-watch while walking laps at the mall
- Get out in nature and take photographs
- Make it social at a senior exercise class or fitness center
- Watch TV on the treadmill or exercise bike
- Go for a walk with a friend, or walk a dog. You can always volunteer at a shelter if you don’t have your own dog to walk!
Getting Started
- The first step to getting started with a new exercise program is to talk to the doctor.
- Start gently and build steadily on your progress.
- Commit to a schedule for at least 3 or 4 weeks to make it a habit.
Staying Motivated
Getting going is one thing; staying motivated is quite another.
- Create both short and long term goals and reward yourself when you reach them
- Track your activities and accomplishments in a log
- Partner with another person
How Senior Care Can Help
Senior care can help overcome the obstacles of starting and maintaining an exercise program. Senior care aides can:
- Assist with transportation
- Help you in or out of the car or pool
- Be a walking buddy on a set schedule
- Help log your progress and encourage you to meet your goals
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Jacksons Gap, AL, please contact the caring staff at Prime Home Health today. Caring for Our Friends and Neighbors in Tallapoosa, Chambers, Lee, Macon, and Russell Counties! Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 334.745.7966
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