As people get older, it’s easy to slow down, especially when it comes to exercise. However, for seniors, it’s more important than ever to get plenty of physical activity. The benefits impact both physical and mental health as well as seniors’ overall wellbeing. Here are just a few of those benefits.
Prevent Falls
Exercise makes people stronger. Not only does it build muscles, but it may also increase bone strength, energy levels, balance, and flexibility. All of these add up to make a senior less likely to fall and experience a debilitating injury. Seniors who are strong and healthy are more likely to maintain some level of independence.
If you have concerns about your loved one’s ability to exercise safely, consider hiring a trained professional caregiver to provide assistance. Homecare professionals may 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 may enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Boost Mental Health
It may be easy to see how exercise boosts physical health, but it may also increase mental health. When seniors exercise, their bodies produce endorphins, which are hormones that make them feel good. This may boost mood, combat depression, alleviate stress, and even keep dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at bay. In some cases, exercise may even help seniors enjoy better social lives. Playing sports like golf or tennis, going for walks with a friend, or taking an exercise class at a community center or gym may prevent loneliness and isolation.
Enhance Cardiovascular Health
Exercise is great for the heart. It may keep cardiovascular disease at bay, and if a senior already has heart problems, exercise may keep them under control. Exercise may also lower blood pressure. Of course, any senior with a heart issue or other health condition should always check with a doctor before beginning any type of physical activity.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, hiring a professional caregiver to take over on occasion is a great option. Florence elderly home care professionals may 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.
Get a Better Night’s Sleep
Sleep is important for good health, and people of all ages who are more active during the day tend to sleep better. Rest is a must for good overall mental and physical health, and seniors who sleep well tend to have better attention spans and fewer problems with memory.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Staying active may be key to maintaining a healthy weight. With age, the metabolism slows down, which may make it difficult to lose weight. Incorporating physical activity—both strength training and cardio—into daily routines may speed up metabolism and burn more calories. By maintaining a healthy body weight, seniors reduce their risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Boost Quality of Life
In general, seniors who are physically active have a better overall quality of life. Physical activity may increase energy, which many older adults lack. It increases motor skills and cognitive function. Both may help seniors remain more independent as they age.
Assistance with exercising safely is just one of the benefits seniors receive when families enlist the help of trained professional caregivers. Florence in-home care 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky at (859) 328-2656 today.
