Here are some tips to help seniors increase their mobility and extend their lives. If you want to know more, read further.
Do you have elderly people in your house? If so, the thought of keeping them healthy and fit has often evoked in your mind. But don’t worry, these tips will help you age healthily and increase the mobility that seems to decline as you get older. Aging is a natural process and has its drawbacks, but learning to adopt healthy lifestyle habits can make the process smooth and easy. In older people, movement decreases because the body loses the ability to perform boring physical activities. However, some studies suggest that adding small amounts of exercise to your daily life can improve your lifespan, and even extend your lifespan by keeping you away from chronic diseases. Let’s take a look at some easy-to-add exercises for seniors that will make their lives happier and easier.
List of suitable exercises
- Moderate aerobic exercise: Walking, a common form of moderate aerobic exercise, may require modification for people with arthritis. Aquatic exercise is recommended to reduce stress on the knees and can be beneficial for arthritis patients. Other activities include hiking, running errands, yoga, biking, and using the elliptical.
- Light strength training: Basic functional movements include squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling, and carrying.
Strength training covers these movements and contributes to improved mobility and stability. Examples include weight lifting, resistance bands, gardening, bodyweight training, and yoga poses.
- Exercises to improve balance: It’s important to do short, balanced activities throughout the day. Standing on your feet in front of a counter and doing yoga with your eyes closed will improve your sense of balance.
- Walking: The best way to stay mobile is to take a short walk each day. Walking is the easiest and most effective form of exercise that helps seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can easily take a walk in the morning or in the evening.
Focus on a personalized approach
There is no one-size-fits-all approach and your exercise routine should be tailored to your individual needs. Trainers emphasize that all older adults have the right to personalized programs that increase strength and performance. Rather than being conscious of limits, it is important to explore movements that are suitable for each individual.
Adapting and debunking myths
Trainers dispute the idea that older people should avoid certain movements and argue that fear of injury should not deter them from strength training. Your medical condition may come with limitations, but modification and guidance can help improve your physical fitness. Embracing personalized plans can help seniors live active and fulfilling lives.