How a Visiting Angels Home Care Aide Can Keep Your Loved One Active In Allen, TX
Do Not Take It Easy
Seniors often become rather lax when it comes to daily activity due to the challenges of aging, however remaining active is vital to maintain overall health. Even if they require assistance from a home care aide, activity should remain an important goal. At Visiting Angels Allen, we make it a priority to ensure our seniors care stating active.
Although daily activity is seen as an injury risk to many seniors, the National Institute of Health insists that this isn’t the case at all. “For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn’t happen just because they’ve aged,” the NIH said. “It’s usually because they’re not active.”
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there are many positive effects of daily activity.
Some of these effects include:
- Increased self-reliance and lower risk of falling
- Better stamina and strength in those with debilitating conditions
- Lower chance of depression and improved mental health
- Healthy bones, joints and muscles and pain relief in joints
Remain Social
Included in our care plans can be daily activity is social interactions with other people, as well as participation in hobbies and interests. This can be spending time with a home care aide or doing a puzzle, either way it’s good for overall well-being.
In fact, the National Institute on Aging refers to research that shows that seniors who continue to take part in this aspect of daily activity experience the following benefits:
- Decreased likelihood of developing diseases and health problems
- Longer lifespan
- Increased happiness
- Improved coping ability
Encourage Exercise
The best way you can help your loved one is to encourage him or her to exercise. Each one of the following exercises can be performed at home independently or with help from a home care aide. Make sure to run any exercise by a doctor before starting any exercise routine. Visiting Angels Allen home care providers can help you encourage these exercises:
- Sweeping or raking
- Dancing or aerobic exercise
- Walking or bike riding
- Stretching with leg extended, alternating legs
- Using a towel over each shoulder to grab and pull to the point of resistance and hold for 30-60 seconds
Daily activity is invaluable for your loved one as he or she ages, serving as a much better alternative to sitting around the house. Even if your loved one isn’t active now, it’s never too late to get started. Continue to encourage your loved one to stay active and engaged so that he or she may reap the rewards of doing so.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule a free in home evaluation.