As people age, it’s more important than ever to maintain an active lifestyle that includes exercising routinely. Exercising can help older adults boost their emotional and physical health as well as their memory. Whether your senior loved one is healthy or managing an illness, check out the following ways he or she can benefit from getting regular exercise.
Prevents Insomnia
Life events and specific medications can be factors in preventing a senior from getting proper sleep. Working out or simply getting more physical activity can exhaust an older adult’s body enough to place it in a position for more peaceful and lasting sleep. However, older adults should avoid strenuous workouts at least two hours before they go to bed to reap the benefits of exercise and aim to meet their daily activity recommendations.
Some seniors require assistance with performing exercises. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Helps with Weight Management
Metabolism slows down with age, making it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Exercising can increase metabolism and aid in building muscle mass, which contributes to burning more calories. If your loved one’s body is at a healthy weight, his or her overall wellbeing may increase.
Enhances Quality of Life
Seniors value their independence, and regular moderate exercise at least three times a week can help them be independent, increase their mobility, and prevent or lessen the severity of certain age-related ailments. Working out on a regular basis can also strengthen the muscles while boosting flexibility, which can reduce the risk of falls, the leading cause of injuries and disabilities among older adults, according to the National Council on Aging.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Lincoln seniors can depend on.
Boosts Cardiovascular & Respiratory Function
Getting regular physical activity can reduce an older adult’s blood pressure and risk of heart disease. Having strong airways and lungs and a healthy vascular system and heart can allow an older adult’s body to work properly and more efficiently, eliminating and clearing out germs that could make him or her sick.
Strengthens Bones
Osteoporosis is common among older adults because bone health usually deteriorates with age. Exercise that includes resistance training can strengthen bones and increase bone mass. Regular exercise also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.
Alleviates Arthritis
Exercise is one of the most important options older adults have for arthritis management. Regular physical activity can increase muscular strength, lubricate the joints, and reduce the overall stiffness that’s often present among seniors with arthritis. Obesity is also a risk factor for arthritis, and increasing physical activity levels can help older adults lose weight and better manage discomfort or debilitating symptoms associated with arthritis pain.
Engaging in physical activity can help older adults ward off many health conditions. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care Lincoln families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (916) 226-3737.