Keeping seniors active can feel challenging, particularly if they experience mobility issues that limit their ability to exercise in expected ways. Seniors don’t have to walk long distances, lift heavy weights, or even stand up to get their bodies moving. Chair exercises can be a safe and practical way for aging adults to stay active, even if they have balance issues, pain, or serious mobility challenges. Home care assistance can work with seniors to develop routines that keep them moving.
Seniors and Exercise
Exercise is tremendously important for healthy aging, but many seniors struggle to stay active. If their doctors clear them to exercise, though, they can find ways to maintain muscle tone and improve their flexibility and balance. Remaining sedentary is a recipe for increasing the risk factors that contribute to falls and injuries. Chair exercises can help seniors to regain enough mobility that they might be able to be more active in other ways.
Chair Exercises Keep the Body Moving
One of the biggest benefits of chair exercises is that they allow seniors to embrace consistent and safe movement. Seated leg lifts, arm circles, and marching in place in a seated position all can improve circulation, build muscles, and even increase range of motion. Chair exercises are also extremely adaptable. They can be modified for beginners and advanced chair exercisers alike.
Finding the Right Exercises
Because chair exercises are performed in a seated position, seniors may be less likely to worry about falling, which helps them to enjoy movement more. The best routines focus on what seniors can already do. Seniors might benefit most from starting with simple stretching exercises. Over time, they can add resistance bands or light weights that help them to build strength. Elder care providers can help seniors to find videos or other methods for deciding on what exercises to try.
Establishing Solid Routines
Consistency is so much more important than intensity, especially for seniors. Encouraging them to participate in short, consistent workouts can give them meaningful improvements. Routines also help to make sure that exercise feels like a normal part of every day, and not another chore to tackle. Home care assistance can work with seniors to determine when they want to exercise and when they want to do other activities, so they can make room for all of them.
Aim for Both Comfort and Safety
Comfort and safety should always be top priorities when helping seniors move more. The chair itself should be sturdy and supportive. Chairs with wheels or that swivel are bad choices. Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes also help. Keeping water nearby and remembering to stop if anything starts to hurt can keep everything manageable while doing chair exercises.
With the right setup and routines, chair exercises can be a safe way for seniors to get the movement they need and want. Home care assistance can help seniors to tweak exercise and other routines so that they’re doing what they want and having the experience they want as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Assistance in Marina Del Ray, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.
