Exercise is one of the best ways for seniors with Parkinson’s to maintain mobility and increase coordination and muscle control. While exercise may not stop the progression of Parkinson’s, it can promote balance and keep joints from stiffening, creating greater comfort for your senior loved one.
For some seniors, mobility challenges caused by Parkinson’s make exercising regularly difficult or dangerous if they experience freezing episodes, and the most effective exercises for seniors with Parkinson’s will depend on their age, the symptoms they experience, and the state of their overall health. Here is a list of beneficial exercises for seniors with Parkinson’s.
Walking
Being unable to walk is the leading cause of disability in seniors with Parkinson’s, making regular walks essential for maintaining mobility. Walking enhances balance and coordination, and it’s a low-impact exercise that can increase endurance and mobility. Even a daily twenty-minute walk can have a great impact on your loved one’s health.
If your loved one is unstable while walking, he or she can use a cane or walker. Encourage walking by taking your loved one for a stroll around the block, at a nearby park, or in a nature preserve where he or she can enjoy the surroundings. Go on a shopping excursion and park further away from the store entrance. Start slowly and allow your loved one to walk at his or her own pace. As your loved one gets stronger, increase the length and intensity of your walks.
Even seniors in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s can still get the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Portland home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Swimming
Moving through water can be relaxing, and its buoyancy can eliminate balance challenges. Swimming is a great activity for enhancing overall muscle strength, and it’s also easy on the joints, making it a good exercise if your loved one experiences the joint stiffness that can accompany Parkinson’s. The resistance encountered while submerged in the water can decrease pain and muscle stiffness. Varying strokes while swimming encourages muscle coordination and enhances motor skills
Yoga
Yoga is a non-stressful exercise your loved one may want to try if Parkinson’s has affected his or her flexibility, as it concentrates on toning and maintaining muscle flexibility. Yoga trains seniors to control their breathing, and the activity strengthens the muscles throughout the body while enhancing balance. By practicing yoga, seniors can reduce muscle rigidity and spastic movements. Many communities offer yoga classes. If your loved one is a bit self-conscious, he or she can practice yoga in the privacy of home by watching instructional DVDs or online videos.
Seniors living with serious health conditions often need extensive assistance in and outside the home. Align Home Care is a trusted provider of Portland live-in care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and various other daily tasks, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Gardening
Gardening can be a fun option for seniors who like to combine a hobby with exercise. When seniors work in gardens, they use different muscles, and they can increase dexterity by gripping various gardening tools and kneeling to plant flowers and vegetables.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to help your loved one lead a healthy life and reduce some of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Home care service 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. Call Align Home Care at (207) 835-3490 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans