While staying safe at home has become our new normal, that doesn’t mean we should spend our time sitting in front of the television! For senior loved ones, especially those diagnosed with chronic health issues, maintaining an energetic lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge which may seem insurmountable. However, studies have shown the importance of exercise for the elderly and the many benefits it provides, such as:
In spite of the numerous benefits of exercise, a large portion of older adults – 67% of them, according to another recent study – are spending the majority of their day on sedentary activities, and by age 75, 1/3 of all males and ½ of women report engaging in no exercise whatsoever. A sedentary lifestyle can be particularly detrimental to seniors with chronic health issues, as it can exacerbate many of the symptoms associated with diabetes, cancer, hypertension and more.
At Compassionate Nursing Services, providers of trusted St. Louis nursing care, we love helping older adults get back into a healthier, more energetic lifestyle. Sometimes, having someone to exercise with can make a major difference in making exercise a routine, and an activity that older adults look forward to.
We suggest creating a playlist of the older adult’s favorite upbeat music, setting a designated time daily for working out so it becomes a routine, and making it fun! Here are several simple exercises you can try together with the older adults you love, right within the comfort of home:
Make sure to always check with the senior’s health care provider prior to starting or changing any exercise program.
Connect with our professional aging care team for further resources and exercise recommendations, as well as for a companion to help make health and fitness more enjoyable! You can easily reach us any time at 314-432-4312 to learn more about our top-rated St. Louis nursing care throughout the metropolitan area.
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