Staying active through the younger years isn’t very difficult for most people. Many people stay on their feet for hours without giving it much thought. As we age though, staying active can be challenging for some. Health issues and decreasing energy levels tend to prevent seniors from getting the exercise they need.
Being inactive can lead to a number of additional problems. It’s a vicious cycle that is often difficult to overcome; particularly true for those who are living with medical conditions that make exercise a significant challenge. For seniors, breaking the cycle requires a unique approach. Ensuring aging loved ones stay active helps generate a range of benefits that can have a profound impact on many aspects of their lives.
Giving Seniors the Care They Deserve
Orchard Park at Southfork is an assisted living community in Manvel, TX. We’re passionate about providing comprehensive, customized care for all our residents. Our caregivers have extensive training in their fields! From coordinating social events to catering to people’s specific dietary requirements, we cover all our residents’ needs. Our goal is to ensure your loved one receives the highest level of care and is able to live life to the fullest.
Is Exercise Safe for Seniors?
Many people worry that exercise routines may be too difficult or strenuous for their aging loved ones. They fear their loved ones may sustain injuries or overexert themselves while taking part in physical activities. However, there’s no need for concern. Independent living communities tailor their exercise programs to the particular needs of their residents.
Additionally, they offer a diverse variety of exercise programs. If a resident suffers from muscle weakness, he or she can participate in programs designed to strengthen muscles. If mobility issues are an issue, activities are available to improve stamina and range of motion. For those who live with balance difficulties, programs are provided to improve coordination and stability.
Exploring the Benefits of Exercise for Seniors
Offering a variety of exercise programs for seniors that target different needs is crucial. Making sure those activities are safe and effective is equally important. Providing a variety of activities that are safe and effective ensures a community for seniors is providing residents with a full range of active living options and benefits.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Let’s look at the mental and emotional benefits of remaining active: exercise has been proven to make people feel better. It reduces stress while releasing endorphins, in turn improving moods. Exercise can make a world of difference in a senior’s state of mind, but it’s only the beginning!
Exercise can also alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression for those who suffer from such conditions. Some studies show that physical activity can reduce the risks of developing certain mental health issues as well. Exercise also gives seniors more confidence, which may encourage them to take part in additional programs, like enrichment classes and social events. When seniors socialize they’re less likely to be affected by loneliness and isolation, further improving their emotional and mental well-being.
Physical Effects of Exercise for Seniors
That brings us to the physical effects of exercise – it can have an incredibly positive impact on one’s wellbeing. Which is particularly true when there is a range of senior living options to choose from; seniors can select activities that are compatible with their needs and lifestyle.
Combating Chronic Medical Conditions
Research shows that regular exercise can combat certain chronic medical conditions. Those include arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure to name a few. Physical activity may even reduce the risk of developing dementia and certain types of cancer according to some studies.
Additionally, exercise helps improve blood flow. Increased blood flow helps keep internal organs healthy and improves immunity. It may also help seniors fight off disease and illness. With strengthened immunity, seniors can enjoy their health and will have less downtime due to illness. They’ll also have fewer risks of complications from medical issues as well.
Keeping Aging Loved Ones in Peak Health
Physical activity provides many benefits for seniors, including physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life. Though many seniors shy away from exercise, it is essential to remain healthy. Assisted living communities offer numerous exercise programs and other activities to keep seniors active. Caring staff encourages residents to participate in physical activities and social events, helping them live fuller lives.
