Exercise is a critical component of a senior care plan. While many seniors prefer to exercise outdoors or within a group, it is important for them to exercise at home as well. These six exercises are simple enough for seniors to do at home so they do not have to skip a day of their workout regimen.
1. Yoga
Performing a few yoga poses is easy to do at home. For beginners, it is important to practice doing yoga with a friend or caregiver who can provide gentle support and balance through the movements. Yoga promotes relaxation and increases strength and flexibility.
Seniors with limited mobility may require assistance with yoga and other exercises. Calgary home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Walking
This simple cardiovascular exercise does not always have to be done outdoors. Seniors can walk in place when bad weather prevents them from going outside their homes. Older adults with larger homes may find it enjoyable to walk around the house, and adding a few stair climbs can increase the intensity of the workout. Walking indoors provides the same benefits as going outside such as burning calories and increasing the heart rate.
3. Wall Squats
This exercise simply requires a senior to slowly get into a chair position while using a wall to maintain balance. Doing a wall squat strengthens the buttock, thigh, and lower back muscles. Seniors who are new to this type of exercise should begin with holding one pose for a minute, then add more as their muscles get stronger.
4. Light Weight Workouts
Adding a little resistance with weights is a great way for seniors to build and retain muscle and bone mass. Speak with a physician to make sure your loved one is physically capable of handling weights. Then, he or she can use small weights to do bicep curls, arm raises, and shoulder presses. These exercises strengthen the arm and shoulder muscles, which can prevent injuries.
Family caregivers often have to assist their loved ones with exercises. However, caregivers may not always have time to tend to their loved one’s needs. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Calgary, Alberta, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
5. Dancing
Most people associate dancing with pleasure and entertainment, but seniors can work up a sweat by dancing around their living rooms. Your loved one can check out a few dancing DVDs to learn new steps, then strengthen his or her cardiovascular system by dancing.
6. Chair Exercises
Developing lower body strength is important for preventing falls and increasing mobility. Using a chair also gives seniors more support than trying to work out without assistance. From standing toe raises to sitting leg lifts, seniors can do these exercises with a partner or while they watch television. Chair exercises are also perfect for stretching tight muscles and joints to alleviate pain.
If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Calgary Home Care Assistance 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. Whether your loved one needs assistance with exercise or you need a break from your caregiving duties, call us at 403-301-3777.