6 Ways Inactive Older Adults Can Get Exercise

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Physical activity is always important, regardless of a person’s age. Many seniors think there’s no point in exercising if they aren’t capable of sprinting around, but even small amounts of movement help. Benefits of exercise include a stronger heart, better balance, and increased mobility. Sedentary seniors can still get exercise with the following six activities. 

1. Isometric Exercises

Isometric exercises work out the muscles without moving them, and they involve doing things like pressing firmly against a wall, tensing the core, and clenching the leg muscles. These exercises can help seniors retain muscle tone even if they’re confined to chairs all day long. 

Family caregivers who don’t have the time to help their loved ones exercise should consider professional in-home care. Oshkosh respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

2. Swimming

Many seniors who feel discomfort during normal methods of exercise find swimming a good option. The water supports a lot of the weight of the body, so swimming is far easier on the joints than many other forms of exercise. Since water is thicker than air, even simple movements in the water help seniors burn more calories and exercise their muscles more. Seniors who aren’t comfortable with their swimming ability can still get exercise benefits by kicking around the pool while on a float. 

3. Weight Lifting

Weight lifting can be safe as long as seniors use proper form and don’t try to lift anything too heavy. This type of exercise is great for sedentary seniors because it can be done slowly while sitting or lying down, and it reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Seniors can use light weights to do bicep curls or lunges, or they can try doing exercises with weight machines. 

Consider hiring a professional caregiver to help your loved one exercise safely. Home care service 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.

4. Chair Yoga

This gentle form of yoga is excellent for seniors who want to try yoga but are concerned about losing their balance. During chair yoga, seniors go through yoga poses while seated or holding on to chairs for assistance. Doing chair yoga increases flexibility and strength without requiring potentially dangerous motions. 

5. Arm & Leg Lifts

Even seniors who are bedbound can perform arm and leg lifts, which require getting into a position that’s comfortable for them and raising each limb a few inches for about 10 to 20 seconds. This sort of exercise can be surprisingly challenging, and it helps seniors retain muscle tone. Another benefit of arm and leg lifts for bedbound seniors is that they can reduce pressure sores. 

6. Riding Recumbent Exercise Bikes

These machines are excellent for seniors who need cardio exercise but don’t have the balance or mobility for activities like running. They allow seniors to sit safely while pedaling at their own pace. Seniors can adjust the difficulty to meet their level of fitness. 

Remaining physically active in the senior years can help older adults stave off age-related conditions and live healthier lives. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Oshkosh at-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. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (920) 573-6295 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services. 

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