Physical Activity for Senior Care

Senior Health  |  May 7, 2021

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Physical Activity

Physical Activity for Senior Care | It’s been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors’ physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active.

In one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.

Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can.

For those who are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. 

The Physical Activity Health Benefits for Seniors:

• Improved mental health, mood, and outlook
• Prevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosis
• Reduced pain from arthritis and minimized its severity
• Decreased risk of falls

Each individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.

Five Tips for Physical Activity for Senior Care

There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching, and balance – all without leaving the comfort of home!

Tip #1 – Aerobic exercise:

Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight.

Tip #2 – Strength-building exercises:

Many easy strength-building exercises can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required.

Tip #3 – Stretching:

Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adult’s physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.

Tip #4 – Balance exercises:

Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.

Those who need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family, or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle!

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a wider range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like, Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Adults Need More Physical Activity.” Web. 2019.

Health and Human Services. “Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity.” Web. 2017.

National Council on Aging. “Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness.” Web.

Reader’s Digest Canada, “5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Hearth Health.” Web.

Harvard Health Publishing. “Exercise after age 70.” Web. 2007.

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