Senior citizens need to be extra cautious when they are exercising. They are at a higher risk of being injured when doing certain types of exercises. However, there are some exercises that are not only safe for the elderly, they are very beneficial to their health, as well. You and 24-hour home care providers should encourage your elderly loved one to do the exercises mentioned below on a regular basis.  

Aerobic and Endurance Exercises 

Two types of exercises that are great for senior citizens are aerobic and endurance. These exercises should be done approximately 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Studies show that aerobic and endurance exercises can benefit senior citizens in the following ways: 

• Improving cardiovascular health 
• Improving breathing  
• Boosting energy 
• Building physical strength 
• Improving balance 

These are just a few of the many ways that aerobic and endurance exercises can benefit your elderly loved one. You and elder care providers should encourage your loved one to swim, cycle, and walk regularly.  

Strength Training and Resistance Exercises  

Two other types of exercises that are great for the elderly are strength training and resistance. These exercises can benefit your elderly loved one in the following ways: 

• Strengthening muscles  
• Improving energy 
• Reducing risk of bone loss 
• Improving balance which in return lowers the risk of falls 

Some of these exercises that you and 24-hour home care providers should get your elderly loved one to do include wall sits, lifting weights, and using resistance bands.  

Stretching and Flexibility Exercises 

Last, but not least, your elderly loved one should be doing regular stretching and flexibility exercises. The benefits of these exercises for senior citizens include:  

• Reducing the risk of muscle strain  
• Improving flexibility  
• Reducing chronic pain 
• Reducing stiffness  
• Easing morning and evening soreness 
• Reducing stress  

Some of the flexibility and stretching exercises that are great for the elderly are yoga and pilates. You and elderly care providers should also encourage your elderly loved one to do normal stretches when they wake up and before they go to bed, as well.  

Conclusion 

If you have been looking for the best ways for your elderly loved one to exercise while staying safe, these are the exercises they should be doing. Before having your elderly loved one start these exercises, you should check with their doctor to make sure they recommend or agree with these options. They may also have other exercise recommendations for your elderly loved one based on their current or past physical health.  

If you or an aging loved-one are considering a 24-Hour Home Care in Green Valley, NV please contact the caring staff at Compassion Crest Home Care.

Sources  

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/benefits-of-flexibility-exercises