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Health Benefits of Swimming for Your Elderly Loved Ones

When you find yourself looking for some great summer activities for your elderly loved ones to participate in, consider swimming as your go-to activity. Whether you want to get them out of the house for a small period of time or simply want to give them a great way to stay active year round, swimming is one of the best ways to achieve both of these goals. Keep reading our blog to learn just a few of the positive health benefits that swimming can bring to your loved ones.

Elderly man swimming.

Elderly man swimming.

 

Good for Their Heart

If you have a loved one entering their golden years, swimming and other water activities are a great way to promote heart health. Swimming is one of the best exercises for lowering blood pressure and improving circulation because it’s a low impact activity that gently uses a majority of the body’s systems and muscles.

 

Good for Their Joints

For those struggling with joint pain, swimming is one of the greatest ways to exercise without putting extra strain on their joints. Swimming is a low impact, full-body workout that allows everyone to experience a fun method of staying in shape. Due to the non-weight bearing nature of this activity, even those that struggle with hip, spine, or knee pain can find enjoyment.

 

Improves Their Flexibility

Did you know that swimming is a great way to improve flexibility? The gentle and effective resistance that water provides improves strength and flexibility. Because of the simple movements involved, they will be able to notice an improvement in the range of motion in parts of the body including hips, legs, arms, and neck.

Swim class.

Swim class.

Helps Their Mental Health

This is more of a double benefit for your elderly loved ones. Because swimming is generally a relaxing activity, it’s great for reducing stress and improving mental health. Another aspect of swimming is that it’s a social activity, which means that your senior is able to interact with other people around them and start new friendships. Through their interactions, many of their feelings of loneliness are also greatly reduced.

 

Conclusion

No matter the activity, you always want to be sure that it can have a positive impact on your loved one’s physical and mental well-being. Swimming is one such activity that checks both of these boxes in a way that’ll allow your loved one the freedom and ability to safely enjoy themselves. Let our team at Home Instead Senior Care help the elders in your life find an activity that’s right for them.

Easy and Safe Exercises for Seniors to Stay Active

As you get older, you want to place more emphasis on your health and activity levels. When you are trying to stay active, it can be difficult to find safe exercises that meet your needs. If this is an issue that you are facing, keep reading to discover some safe and easy exercises you can do to stay healthy!

Elderly woman holding a pair of dumbbells.

Elderly woman holding a pair of dumbbells.

Wall Pushups

If you used to be able to perform pushups flawlessly, this is a great way to keep it up without overexerting yourself. Wall pushups can still strengthen your upper body with the added element of pushing against a wall instead of the floor. Make sure to keep your body straight and bend your elbows to save your body any undue stress, allowing you to keep working out with enjoyment.

 

Tippy Toe Lifts

When you need to give your upper body a break, tippy toe lifts can be a great way to strengthen your legs and improve your balance. Holding onto a counter or the back of a sturdy chair, slowly raise yourself onto your toes, then slowly bring yourself back to standing flat on the floor, and repeat. The easiest way to do this exercise is to pretend you’re a ballerina and imagine you’re going en pointe and then coming down gently before repeating. Doing this exercise slowly while holding onto the back of a chair will ensure that your body reaps the benefits of the workout while improving your balance.

 

Chair Squats

Another great way to continue building strength in your lower body is by doing chair squats. By performing this exercise, you’ll be able to build your glutes and legs. Similar to a normal squat, a chair squat just implements the added measure of having you sit down in a chair before rising back up to your starting position. The important thing to remember with this exercise is to keep your torso and shoulders straight to avoid bad form.

Group of seniors exercising together.

Group of seniors exercising together.

Conclusion

When it comes to staying active and healthy as you get older, finding exercises that will let you perform the movements without compromising your safety is important. Whether you choose to do wall pushups, tippy toe lifts, chair squats, or another workout customized for your body, remember to listen to your body when working out; and if you have a senior care service, ask them for advice or suggestions on exercises.