Medical professionals have long championed the importance of physical activity for cardiovascular health. The same principal holds true for seniors, even seniors with limited mobility due to chronic conditions like arthritis. Even light physical activity has heart benefits, improves circulation, can help to lower blood pressure, reduces certain types of joint stiffness, and helps you sleep better.
A Leisurely Walk
Seniors need not jog to receive the health benefits of physical activity. A leisurely walk is suitable. Take a stroll through the garden or around the block. Use a cane or a walker as necessary to keep you stable. The primary goal is to reduce the amount of sedentary time you have during the day. If the neighborhood seems boring or tedious to you, catch a ride to a local library, mall, or museum and walk up and down the aisles there for a change of scenery. The location isn’t as important as the activity.
Housework
Nobody really finds housework entertaining, but for multitaskers at heart, think of your housework as your physical activity, too. Sorting laundry, running the vacuum, dusting, and washing dishes are all ways to get moving around the house.
Local Class
Certain neighborhood gyms or fitness centers offer exercise classes for seniors. Depending on your interests, you could sign up for a jazzercise class, a dance class, or an aerobics class. Seniors with limited mobility might consider taking a water aerobics class. Joints tend to fare better when exercised in water because they don’t have to endure jarring motions. Classes like these are also a great way to expand your social life.
Gardening
Picking, pruning, weeding, raking, and mowing all offer the benefits of physical activity simply because they require physical exertion. Some of these tasks can be done from a seated position in a wheelchair or on the seat of a walker with some assistance.
Dancing
Perhaps you would rather move to the music. Dancing is a fun way to get some exercise. Depending on the type of dancing you do, it might be considered light physical activity or intense physical activity. If you think it’s intense, check with your doctor before you head out to the dance floor.
Homebound Physical Activity
For seniors whose medical conditions keep them at home, Westlake Village home care caregivers can help provide guidance and motivation for light physical activity during the day. Perhaps you’re concerned about your senior falling while taking a walk. Caregivers can walk alongside them and provide some added balance. The same holds true for gardening and housework.
Most individuals tend to exercise for longer periods of time if they’re exercising with someone else. Caregivers can help entertain seniors by carrying on a conversation during a walk or physical therapy activities, making the time go by faster and keeping the senior active for a little bit longer.
These tips apply to anyone of any age, but seniors sometimes have a tendency to slow down too much in their retirement years. Keep moving with light physical activity to improve your health.
