If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior loved one, you probably already do everything you can to keep him or her happy and healthy. Although the weather can sometimes make it difficult to stick to regular outdoor exercise, here are a few reminders of why it’s important to get your loved one out for a daily walk.
1. Boost Mood
Walking releases chemicals in the brain that can boost mood. Even if your loved one isn’t sad or depressed, walking daily is a great way to keep him or her feeling happy. A casual stroll is also a great way to reduce stress and help your loved one relax.
Even if seniors have mobility issues or health conditions that make walking a challenge, they can still get the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. In-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Strengthen the Immune System
Both young and old bodies reap several benefits from exercise, and chief among them is a stronger immune system. Research suggests immune systems in people who exercise are more capable of battling germs that could make them sick. Walking also reduces the risk of heart disease in seniors and strengthens bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Enhance Memory
Walking increases blood flow to the brain and might even delay the onset of dementia. Your loved one’s memory might be sharpened by a daily walk, and the benefits don’t go away immediately after the walk, either. They can often last for several hours after exercise has been completed.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Home Care San Diego professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, home care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Lower Blood Pressure
Many seniors find it difficult to maintain healthy blood pressure levels, and having high blood pressure can lead to a variety of health problems, including strokes and heart attacks. Walking just 40 minutes a day (it doesn’t have to be all at once) has been proven to significantly reduce blood pressure.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Depending on your loved one’s weight, a 15-minute walk can burn upward of 70 calories. It might not sound like a lot to an active adult, but small accomplishments often lead to big results.
Seniors who need assistance with walking or performing other exercises safely can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. San Diego home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care at 858-848-7224 today.
