Many seniors with arthritis avoid physical activities because the joint pain can make exercise an uncomfortable experience. However, exercise is one of the best ways for people with arthritis to increase joint flexibility and reduce inflammation, and seniors should try to find exercises that suit their needs. Here are five exercises ideal for seniors with arthritis.
1. Chair Stands
Chair stands are recommended for seniors with joint pain in their knees, legs, or hips. The activity requires a chair, which needs to be the appropriate height. When seated, your loved one should be able to sit up straight with feet comfortably touching the ground. To do the exercise, your loved one should slowly sit on the chair and then stand back up. He or she can repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times. When standing and sitting, your loved one should strive to control movements by using the leg and core muscles. If possible, your loved one should stand up from the chair without using his or her hands. If the activity is too difficult at first, your loved one should try to work up to it over time.
Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to perform daily activities such as exercises. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Lincoln, CA, families trust in Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
2. Hip Exercises
Seniors with hip pain should do exercises that stretch and strengthen the hip joints. For a good hip exercise, your loved one can hold onto the kitchen counter, standing with the feet hip width apart and toes pointing forward. You loved one should then raise one knee as high as possible, as if marching in place, then switch knees.
3. Water Exercises
Water exercises are an excellent choice for seniors with arthritis, as water has a soothing effect on the joints. The buoyancy of water allows seniors to do cardiovascular activities without putting pressure on the joints, and the water resistance helps seniors burn calories. While swimming and water aerobics are great ways to mitigate arthritis pain, your loved one may want to start with simple water walking. He or she can do shallow water walking or walk in the deep end, which requires a flotation belt. Many seniors with arthritis prefer to exercise in warm water pools, which relieve pain.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help exercising. Lincoln 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.
4. Neck Exercises
Neck exercises are an excellent way to minimize the symptoms of neck arthritis. To perform these exercises, your loved one needs a chair and resistance band. First, secure the resistance band so it is level with the neck when your loved one is seated, then move the chair so his or her neck is resting against the taut band when seated. Once in the correct position, with the neck straight and the shoulders back, your loved one should lean the neck forward about a foot. Then he or she should return to the original position, with the neck gently resting against the band. You loved one should perform this exercise about 15 times.
5. Hand Stretches
Many seniors have arthritic pain in their hands. To minimize the pain, seniors should do regular hand stretches, which keep the joints limber. Your loved one should start by stretching the fingers as wide as possible, then bring the fingers into a fist and repeat this for a minute or two.
Caring for older adults with arthritis can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Lincoln, CA, 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. To learn about our premier in-home care options, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.