Exercise is good for the body and mind, and seniors who remain physically active can continue to live independently and enjoy better overall health. Take a look at some of the reasons family caregivers should encourage their senior loved ones to engage in regular exercise.
Strengthens Bones
Aging can cause bone density to decrease, which impacts motor skills. Lack of balance and flexibility can increase the risk of falls that lead to fractures and broken bones.
By exercising regularly, your loved one can increase his or her bone strength and maintain better balance. Moderate exercise can also alleviate some of the symptoms associated with arthritis, such as joint and muscle pain.
Aging adults who need assistance with exercising can benefit from having in-home caregivers. Home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Align Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Boosts Heart Health
Lack of physical activity can lead to poor circulation, which puts seniors at high risk for strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues. When older adults exercise regularly, blood and oxygen can continue flowing through the body normally, preventing blood clots and other issues that lead to heart disease. During a workout, the heart pumps normally, lowering the odds of circulation issues.
Prevents Diabetes
Diabetes is fairly common among aging adults due to inactivity and poor eating habits. However, exercise is one of the best ways for seniors to lower their blood sugar and maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Regular exercise can also help seniors stay in good physical shape instead of gaining weight and putting more pressure on the joints, heart, and other areas of the body. Find workout routines your loved one can do on a regular basis to maintain his or her physical and mental health.
Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, age-related macular degeneration, and colon cancer are some of the most common health conditions among the elderly. Exercise is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices seniors can make to preserve their health and prevent these chronic conditions. Exercising on a regular basis helps your loved one keep his or her mind and body active, prevent depression, and manage cholesterol and stress levels better.
Exercising is just one of the many ways older adults can maintain their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Portland, ME, Align Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Promotes Healing
The time it takes for seniors to heal from accidents, injuries, and illnesses will likely increase with age. Your loved one’s systems are not as strong and vibrant as they once were, making it more difficult for his or her body to fight off colds and infections. The body may also take longer to heal from scratches, bruises, and burns.
Maintaining good health can help seniors strengthen their immune systems to fight off infections. A strong body can also heal from a wound, surgical procedure, or injury more quickly. To help your parent maintain good overall health, encourage your loved one to work out at least three times per week for 30 minutes each day.
Individuals who exercise regularly are able to maintain their independence well into their senior years. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Align Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Portland seniors can depend on. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (207) 835-3605.