Exercise keeps joints healthy and may lessen pain.
Do you know that for every pound of weight we lose, we reduce four pounds of force from our knees, and as many as six pounds from our hips? This is certainly great motivation for all of us to stay active, irrespective of age! Especially for older adults, however, who happen to be susceptible to joint pain from arthritis and other conditions of aging, adding a senior exercise routine in to the daily schedule may make a huge difference in minimizing pain.
With the approval from the senior’s physician, Compassionate Nursing Services recommends the following types of exercises to help older adults maintain healthy joints:
- Begin with a warm-up. Prior to exercising, the senior must always start out with gradual bending and stretching moves; for example, reaching up overhead, bending down to touch the toes (or as close as possible without causing pain), side bends, and moving the arms in slow, wide circles.
- Swim a lap or two. Swimming is a wonderful low-impact aerobic fitness exercise, and just being in the water is incredibly relaxing for both your mind and the body as well. Search for a senior swim class, or possibly accompany your loved one in swimming a couple of laps at his / her own pace.
- Get in some resistance training. Weight lifting can be performed any time and any place and at almost every fitness level. Resistance bands, hand weights and even bottles of water are wonderful for building upper body strength. Your loved one should start off light and progressively work up to an elevated difficulty level – again, with guidance from the doctor.
- Take a hike. There’s nothing quite as invigorating and refreshing as going on a walk outdoors, when weather permits. Walking through the neighborhood gives the added benefit of socializing with friends on the way; or pick a wooded trail to take pleasure from the quiet beauty of nature.
- Try something new. Contact the area senior center or gym to find a course your loved one might like to try, such as yoga or tai chi. Sign up for the class together and get the additional advantage of establishing some fun new memories with the senior!
At Compassionate Nursing Services, experts in senior home care St. Louis and the surrounding areas trust, it is always our mission to help seniors enjoy life to the fullest, and to continue to be as active and engaged as possible – boosting both physical and emotional wellbeing. We’re always readily available to provide transportation and accompaniment to workout classes or just about any other activities of interest. Reach out to us at 314-432-4312 to make the first step in assisting your senior loved one realize a healthier and happier quality of life!