Physical Activity for Senior Care

Senior Health  |  May 7, 2021

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Physical Activity

Physical Activity for Senior Care | It’s been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors’ physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active.

In one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.

Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can.

For those who are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. 

The Physical Activity Health Benefits for Seniors:

• Improved mental health, mood, and outlook
• Prevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosis
• Reduced pain from arthritis and minimized its severity
• Decreased risk of falls

Each individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.

Five Tips for Physical Activity for Senior Care

There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching, and balance – all without leaving the comfort of home!

Tip #1 – Aerobic exercise:

Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight.

Tip #2 – Strength-building exercises:

Many easy strength-building exercises can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required.

Tip #3 – Stretching:

Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adult’s physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.

Tip #4 – Balance exercises:

Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.

Those who need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family, or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle!

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elder Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. We offer retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, and companionship care. Our care services also provide end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and more! 

Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Our trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ offers a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Empathetic caregiving starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs.

Home Care Edmonton

If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. 

Is Invoicing Modelling and Client Direct Home Care the Right Option for You?

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Read more about the program HERE.

Recently awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada, our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services. This demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton. Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Adults Need More Physical Activity.” Web. 2019.

Health and Human Services. “Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity.” Web. 2017.

National Council on Aging. “Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness.” Web.

Reader’s Digest Canada, “5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Hearth Health.” Web.

Harvard Health Publishing. “Exercise after age 70.” Web. 2007.

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