Importance of Regular Exercise:

Doctors often recommend strength training to seniors to keep muscles and joints functioning at their best ability. According to The American Academy of Family Physicians “Regular Exercise provides a myriad of health benefits in older adults, including improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, lipid profile, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and neurocognitive function”.  Unfortunately, for many seniors, aching joints and arthritis often act to discourage making healthy exercise part of a daily routine.

Water Aerobics:

Water aerobics can be the solution to this problem. It provides a fun, Low Impact exercise regime to help seniors stay active. Although the best choice would be to find a certified water aerobics instructor, there are several water exercises that one can do without the help of a trainer.

Water walking:

Water walking is the perfect low-impact exercise to get the heart pumping. It can be as easy as walking through the water from one side of the pool to the other. The water acts as resistance to help build muscle mass. If walking across the pool proves to be too much, marching in place can also be quite effective. To add difficulty to this exercise one can add hand weights or the speed of walking.

Simple Leg-lifts:

This one also uses the resistance of the water to work the muscles in the legs without much joint impact. Stand in the shallow end of the pool and grasp the wall. Lift one leg out to the side as far as is comfortable and then place it back down. Repeat until your leg begins to tire, then switch legs.

Arm Curls:

Starting with your hands at your sides, bend at the elbow and lift hands toward face with palms facing up. The water will work as resistance in this exercise as well but the addition of hand or water weights will increase the results.

Although water aerobics limit joint impact it is always best to speak with a medical professional before making any fitness or lifestyle changes. Also, it is not wise to work our or swim alone, its more fun to try water aerobics with a friend anyway!

Aside from regular exercise, as your loved one ages they may need more comprehensive care. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at 718.376.7755.

Contact us today for more information about meeting the health and care needs of your aging loved one. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn.

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