5 Benefits of Exercise for Seniors and Aging Adults

You’ve probably heard it before: physical activity and exercise are healthy for you, and you should try to incorporate them into your daily routine. Numerous studies have shown the major health benefits of exercise, which get more important as we age. Seniors who engage in regular physical activity and exercise improve their mental and physical health, which will help them preserve their independence as they get older. We’ve listed five advantages of fitness for elderly and aging adults below.

1. Prevent Disease

Studies have shown that keeping regular physical activity can help decrease the likelihood of heart disease and diabetes. Exercise can boost the immune system, which is significant for seniors as their immune systems are often impaired. Even light activity, such as walking, can help prevent avoidable diseases.

2. Improved Mental Health

Exercising has several mental health benefits. Endorphins (the “feel good” hormones) are released during exercise and work as a stress reliever, leaving you feeling pleased, satisfied and energized. In addition, exercise is known to help enhance sleep, which can help prevent sleepless nights and irregular sleep patterns.

3. Decreased Risks of Falls

Falls can happen more often as you get older, which can reduce maintaining independence. Exercise increases strength and flexibility, which helps with balance and coordination, lowering the chance of falling. It takes older adults longer to recover from falls, so exercises like yoga can help build strength to prevent falls.

4. Social Engagement

Whether you join a walking group, join a group fitness class or visit a gardening club, exercise can become an enjoyable social event. For aging folks, having a scheduled activity can help create a sense of purpose, and something to look forward to. Above all, choose an activity that you enjoy, and it will never feel like a chore again.

5. Improved Cognitive Function

Cognitive function is strengthened by regular physical activity and fine motor skills. Numerous studies show that physically active people have a lower risk of dementia, regardless of when they start a habit.

In Conclusion
Exercise is beneficial to your health; all you have to do is make it a priority and a part of your everyday life. Exercise has been demonstrated to prevent disease, reduce the chance of falls, promote mental health and well-being, strengthen social bonds, and improve cognitive performance in the elderly population. We hope that, regardless of your age, this will inspire you to incorporate fitness into your daily routine.

Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA. Call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. We provide Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. Visit riversofhopes.com to learn more about us

Elder Care in Rockland MA: Tips for Fun in the Heat

Four Tips for Fun in the Heat of Summer

During the hottest parts of summer, you and your senior might need to get a little more creative about avoiding the effects of the season. There are ways you can do that, but some may take some planning on your part. The good news is that the hottest days of summer don’t last forever and fall will eventually be on its way.

 

Try a Variety of Indoor Activities

Summer means heading inside and if your elderly family member’s air conditioner is struggling, there are plenty of indoor locations that don’t have that problem. Museums, science centers, aquariums, and more have primarily indoor adventures that you can explore together. This may be something you do once in a while, especially if mobility is a concern for your elderly family member. Explore the options available in your area.

 

Take Some Classes or Attend Seminars

Classes, lessons, and seminars held inside are also a possibility. Libraries are often a great source of these types of activities, but so are community colleges, bookstores, and even craft stores. There might be some things your senior has wanted to learn, which could make now a perfect time for her to give that a try.

 

Seek out an Indoor Pool

Summer is the perfect time to float in a pool, but most outdoor pools end up leaving the water feeling as warm as a bath. An alternative is to find an indoor pool that your senior can swim in while also enjoying some air conditioning. This is a great way for her to get a little bit of exercise safely and avoid overheating herself at the same time.

 

Keep to a Schedule

The important part might be sticking to a schedule for your senior. By scheduling her day properly, you might be able to avoid spending the hottest part of the day at her home, especially if her home tends to be a little too warm during those hours. Spending time at home in the morning and in the evening, when the house is naturally cooler, can be a lot more comfortable that way.

As a caregiver, you may be looking for a variety of ways to help your elderly family member to avoid being too hot when the weather absolutely is. This can all take some fine-tuning, too. No plan is perfect right out of the gate and you may need to find options that account for her available energy levels.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Rockland, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com