Why Should Older Adults Exercise?

Exercise is important at any age, but even more so for older adults. There’s plenty of research regarding the many benefits active seniors tend to enjoy, both physical and mental. If you’re caring for an older loved one, here are some of the most compelling reasons you should encourage him or her to get regular exercise specific to his or her preferences and capabilities. 

Disease Prevention

Heart disease and diabetes are just two of the many diseases and chronic conditions associated with an inactive lifestyle. Gentle forms of exercise such as walking and water-based activities can reduce the risk of developing diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis that can affect bones and joints later in life. 

If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Dallas senior care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

Reduced Fall Risk

One out of every four adults 65 and older falls each year in the United States, according to the National Council on Aging. Exercise increases the strength of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints that help older adults maintain flexibility and stability, which is important because seniors tend to be more likely to fall again once they sustain fall-related injuries. Exercises that could minimize your loved one’s fall risk include: 

• Sit-to-stand exercises using a chair 
• Single-leg stands performed using the wall for support 
• Chair leg raises 
• Tai chi and yoga to increase balance, posture, and coordination

Better Mental & Cognitive Health

Exercise boosts the production of hormones, particularly endorphins, that can positively affect mood. Plus, exercise can help your loved one get better sleep, which enhances mental clarity and focus during waking hours. A University of British Columbia study also found that regular exercise changes the brain in a way that enhances thinking skills and memory. 

If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of homecare. Dallas Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.

More Opportunities for Social Engagement

Older adults often face increased instances of social isolation, which raises their risk of developing issues with depression and cognitive impairment. However, exercise gives your loved one plenty of opportunities to socialize as he or she reaps the other rewards associated with staying active. Seniors can make exercise a social activity by: 

• Joining a local fitness class specifically for older adults 
• Going for daily walks with friends and family members 
• Participating in activities like yoga or water aerobics that tend to be performed in group settings

Boosted Immune System Function

Exercise has the power to give the immune system a beneficial boost, which could help your loved one ward off seasonal illnesses like the flu and have fewer issues with underlying health issues. And if your loved one is recovering from an injury or surgery, having a stronger immune system could make the recovery period shorter. 

Fewer Issues with Age-Related Weight Gain

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it’s fairly common for older adults to gain weight. Part of the reason for this is because of a slower metabolism, which makes it more difficult to burn calories. However, regular exercise can increase the fat-burning process and minimize the risk of gaining too much weight later in life. 

Better Digestive Health

Physical activity can affect the way your loved one digests food, which could mean fewer issues with constipation, gas, bloating, and other problems associated with slower digestion. 

Family caregivers also need time away from their important duties to fit in some exercise. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Dallas, TX, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at [hca_phone] to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.