5 Low-Impact Exercises Elderly Home Care Services Experts Recommend
It’s common knowledge that regular exercise is a key part of living a long, healthy life. But as you get older, exercise becomes even more crucial. According to the CDC, studies show that strength training is one of the best ways to fight general weakness that comes with old age. That being said, finding exercises that aren’t too hard on the body is essential, especially for older adults. Here are a few low-impact exercises that elderly home care service experts recommend. These exercises can help with strength, stress and injury prevention.
Walking
Walking is one of the most popular low-impact exercises among seniors. Not only does walking help with joint pain, but many seniors say that walking is a great social activity as well. Elderly home care services experts recommend talking to your doctor before starting a walking routine, and it’s a good idea to do some research into the type of shoes that best work for you.
Weight lifting
Weight lifting might sound like an intense exercise, but if you start out with lighter weights, experts say it can be one of the most effective, low-impact workouts for seniors. It’s a good idea to target different parts of your body on different days so you don’t overwork your muscles and cause more pain. But once you find a solid routine, weight lifting is a great way to stay healthy as a senior citizen.
Swimming & water aerobics
If you have access to a swimming pool, consider utilizing it for your low-impact exercise needs. Between swimming and water aerobics, there are a variety of exercises seniors can do that aren’t too hard on your body. Water aerobics and swimming are both cardio and strength training, so your whole body is getting a workout. Elderly home care services experts note that many of these exercises can take place in shallow water, so don’t fret if you don’t know how to swim.
Yoga
People of all ages and backgrounds love practicing yoga, and it’s a great exercise for seniors looking for something that is low-impact. Yoga is known to strengthen muscles and bones, and has been linked to lower stress. While you can join a group and do exercises in a class, yoga can be also done at home with nothing more than a simple yoga mat.
Golf
Most seniors that golf will tell you that it’s one of the most relaxing ways to spend a day, and elderly home care services experts agree. Not only does golf have de-stressing benefits, it has a lot of endurance and aerobic aspects as well. If you decide to walk instead of getting a golf cart, golfing can turn into even more of a workout!