Watching TV

It’s a natural for home bound seniors to resist exercise.  Many would rather sit in front of the television all day.  There are lots of reasons to avoid activity, some seniors are fearful of falls and avoid activity because of the risk of falls, but is inactivity a good remedy for avoiding falls and what are the health effects? A recent study published in Diabetologia found that spending a long time sitting down remains bad for seniors.

Dr. Emma Wilmot, who led the study, said it was clear that those who sat the most had a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease and death than those who sat the least.

There is evidence that being sedentary negatively affects glucose levels and increases insulin resistance – but scientists do not yet know how. But it is clear that anyone who spends lots of time sitting or lying down would benefit from replacing some of that time by standing or walking.

Home aides/caregivers can play a role in implementing daily activities that will encourage a senior to walk or exercise during the day.  Of course, a physician needs to be consulted before any exercise regime is started.
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