5 Types of Exercises Most Aging Adults May Be Able to Do

There are several benefits seniors may receive from daily exercise routines. Numerous studies have linked exercise with enhanced quality of life, no matter what physical limitations a senior is living with. The good news is older adults don’t have to join gyms or even leave their homes to get a good workout. Below are five exercises seniors are able to do in the comfort of their own homes, and all five may be done even if your aging loved one has limited mobility or uses a wheelchair. 

Heel Lifts

Lifting the heels up and lowering them while standing at the sink or sitting in a chair may not seem like it would offer much of a workout. However, this movement strengthens the muscles in the calves and ankles, giving your loved one better strength and balance when walking.

Depending on your loved one’s level of mobility, he or she may require assistance with performing daily tasks. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading Columbus in-home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.

Shoulder Rolls

Rolling the shoulders slowly in circles, alternating forward and backward, may keep muscles and joints in the shoulders limber and supple. This exercise may ease some of the stiffness of arthritis and help with activities of daily living, such as getting dressed.

If your loved one has mobility challenges or other health issues that make following an exercise routine difficult, he or she may benefit from the assistance of a dedicated caregiver. Homecare 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 may help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Deep Breathing

Taking a deep breath, holding it, and letting it out again slowly might not seem like much exercise. However, breathing routines have a wide range of benefits, including increased lung expansion and oxygenation and reduced stress.

Leg Lifts

From a sitting position, simply lifting one leg up and setting it back down again works muscles in the thighs and buttocks and may strengthen and steady your loved one’s walk to prevent falls.

Biceps Curls

While seated, holding a small weight and curling one hand up to meet the shoulder may strengthen muscles in the arms and make many activities of daily living easier.

If your older loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Columbus senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 614-678-5887 today.