Physical Activity for Senior Care

Blog  |  June 17, 2020

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.

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

Physical Activity 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.

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

Physical Activity for Seniors at Home:

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.

Strength-building exercises – there are many easy strength-building exercises that 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.

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.

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 that 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® Georgian Triangle – Leaders in Family-Focused Personal Health Care

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering Dementia Care and Palliative Care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle office.

Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle, is pleased to announce that we are a recipient of Accreditation Canada’s, Accreditation Primer Award. Accreditation is an intensive process in which an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures are examined by industry experts against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

If you live in the Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound area, contact Comfort Keepers at (705) 293-5553, or email us at georgiantriangle@comfortkeepers.ca. Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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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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