As people age, oftentimes it leads to a decrease in exercise and more limited mobility.
Encouraging your senior to move their body can help them with so many things! A boosted mood, higher quality of life, and increased longevity.
If you are looking for ways to help seniors move their body in a gentle way, then keep reading. This is the article for you.
BENEFITS OF LIGHT EXERCISE
When we think about exercise, many of us think of harsh activities like cross fit, running, or lifting weights.
When you train yourself to think of exercise as movement, it suddenly becomes a lot more achievable! Prioritizing exercise that increases our mobility and allows us to move pain-free throughout the day should be the overall goal.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a fitness-guru to help an elderly loved one incorporate movement into their life.
Here are just a few of the proven benefits that come from light exercise:
- Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improved memory and brain function
- Maintain muscle strength and balance
- Increased life span
- Improved sleep and decreased fatigue
And much more! Mobility gives us the freedom to maintain our independence and seek a life that we love.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOVEMENT
If you are struggling to think of ways to incorporate movement into a seniors day-to-day life, here are our top recommendations!
Take a Walk: If they are able, encouraging seniors to go on a walk around the block is one of the best things you can do for them. Walking is generally safe and has tons of known benefits for both our physical and mental health. Additionally, it is a gentle exercise that many people can do even late in life.
Chair Yoga: For many people, regular yoga is a bit too intense later in life- especially for people that have never tried it before. However, chair yoga is a modified version of yoga that is much gentler towards all age groups. Chair yoga still focuses on many of the foundations of regular yoga, such as breath, mind body connection, and mobility. These simple exercises can be done throughout the day to help improve range of motion, maintain weight, and more!
Dancing: Have you ever considered incorporating dancing into a routine for seniors? Dance is basically just a way to move joyfully! What is fun about this mood-boosting exercise is that there are no rules or restrictions. Simply turn on some music and let your body move freely.
GET SUPPORT FROM B’ZOE CARE
If you are seeking support in the way of companionship for a senior in your life, then don’t hesitate to contact us here at B’Zoe Care.
Here, we offer in-home adult care so that your loved one receives the care they need in their day-to-day life. This will also provide stress relief for you and allow you to focus on your relationship with them. You’ll be comforted knowing that your loved one’s needs are being met each day.