When people hit their mid-60s, their activity levels tend to decrease. However, seniors should continue to exercise as it can enhance their quality of life. Here’s a look at some of the most important benefits of exercising after age 65.
Prevents Loss of Muscle Mass and Bone Density
Seniors tend to lose muscle mass and bone density with age, which can impact their lifestyle and make it difficult to perform daily tasks. To keep their muscles and bones strong and healthy, seniors should incorporate weight-bearing exercises and weightlifting into their exercise regimens. Weight-bearing exercises force the body to work against gravity, and they range from simple activities like walking to complex exercises like HIIT routines. Weightlifting also comes in many forms. Seniors who are new to building muscle mass can use household items like cans of food or heavy books to get used to lifting weights.
Older adults who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same services of home care. Portland families can rely on Align Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Reduces Impact of Illnesses
Regular exercise can reduce the symptoms of a wide variety of conditions, ranging from arthritis to diabetes. Exercising can also prevent new conditions from forming. Studies show that engaging in regular exercise can lower the risk of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and some types of cancer.
Increases Balance
Slips and falls are a major concern among older adults. Seniors who don’t exercise are more likely to experience serious injuries in the event of an accident, as inactivity can lead to brittle bones. Exercising can reduce the likelihood of slips and falls by increasing balance. Exercises that strengthen the core and leg muscles give seniors greater bodily control. Yoga, Pilates, and aerobic exercises are all ideal for enhancing balance.
Boosts Mood
Exercise is also a great way for seniors to stay emotionally and mentally healthy. When seniors get their heart rate up, the body releases hormones and neurotransmitters that relieve stress and boost mood. Engaging in regular exercise can help seniors stave off depression.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help exercising. Though you may be researching multiple home care agencies, Portland, Maine, Align Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust in Align Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Promotes Better Sleep Hygiene
Many seniors have a difficult time sleeping, which can take a toll on their daily lives. Sleep is the time when the body creates memories, recharges for the next day, and detoxifies the system. When seniors don’t get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, they may experience drowsiness, memory loss, or other issues. Studies show exercise helps people get the rest they need at night. Exercise enables seniors to fall asleep quickly and sleep more deeply throughout the night. When active seniors wake up, they feel refreshed.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your senior loved one receives helps with exercise and enjoys a high quality of life. Find out how a Portland, Maine, elderly caregiver can help your senior loved one enjoy a higher quality of life by reaching out to Align Home Care. All of our professional respite and live-in caregivers are trained in comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care, and they can also assist seniors with basic daily tasks like exercise, cooking, bathing, and light housekeeping. To learn about our premier in-home care services, give us a call at (207) 835-3490 today.