The Power of Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors

Senior Exercise  |  September 13, 2023

What Seniors in North Vancouver and West Vancouver Need to Know About Low-impact Exercise

Engaging in low-impact exercises for seniors offers an excellent means to achieve their daily physical activity requirements while ensuring they maintain an elevated heart rate.

As we grow older, the significance of maintaining our physical health becomes increasingly integral to our overall well-being. Incorporating regular exercise into our daily schedule becomes crucial in later years, although it can pose certain challenges.

The Importance of Low-impact Exercises for Seniors

For seniors, there is a range of low-impact exercises and activities that offer significant advantages. Engaging in such exercise allows for an increase in heart rate, leading to various positive effects on physical health.

Before embarking on a new exercise program, older adults should consult with their doctor to ensure that even though these less demanding forms of physical activity are usually more accessible, it is still necessary to seek professional advice.

Eight Types of Low-impact Exercises for Seniors:

#1. Walking:

Walking has the advantage of being gentler on the joints compared to running, and it does not depend on any specific gear or a gym subscription. By simply having a pair of comfortable sneakers and access to a well-paved walkway, anyone can commence this activity immediately. To maximize benefits, maintaining a swift tempo for at least 15-20 minutes becomes crucial.

#2. Swimming:

Nothing beats eliminating stress on the joints. Swimming offers various advantages, such as boosting shoulder strength and enhancing lung capacity. Additionally, seniors have the option of engaging in water aerobics or using underwater treadmills for walking exercises.

#3. Yoga:

Yoga is a versatile practice that benefits various aspects of your physical health, such as enhancing flexibility and coordination while also strengthening your core. Moreover, it has been proven to enhance mood, focus, and overall mental well-being.

#4. Pilates:

This exercise enables individuals to engage in deliberate and unhurried movements, aimed at enhancing posture and flexibility. Similar to yoga, Pilates is renowned for its ability to enhance mental wellness.

#5. Cycling:

By implementing necessary safety precautions, such as wearing a helmet, and shin pads, and using suitable gear arrangements, cycling can have numerous benefits for both the cardiovascular system and various muscle groups while also considering joint health.

#6. Weight-lifting:

You have the option to engage in weight training either at home using small free weights or moderately heavy household objects, or at a fitness center. The essential factor for success lies in maintaining a consistent repetition routine while gradually progressing towards heavier weights as time passes.

#7. Leg Raises:

There is no need for equipment to perform these exercises, and they can be easily done at home. All you have to do is stand behind a chair and secure yourself by holding on to its back. Next, move one leg outwards and then bring it back in. By repeating this movement with various variations, you can effectively strengthen your lower back and thigh muscles.

#8. Dancing:

The popularity of dance class enrollment has significantly increased in recent years due to its many benefits. The continuous movement involved in these classes promotes better circulation and flexibility, while also offering excellent opportunities for socializing and building connections with fellow participants.

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If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care. Our senior care agency offers dementia care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® is a Senior Care Agency That Can Make a Difference with Interactive Caregiving™

Our team of expert in-home caregivers will strive to ensure your senior loved one has the best quality of life possible, bringing joy and good health to their home environment. Our Interactive Caregiving™ program ensures all needs in terms of safety, nutrition, mental well-being, and everyday activities of home care services are met.

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Moreover, our seasoned in-home caregivers are carefully chosen based on their quality of being empathetic. Our care centers around companionship for seniors. This is the kind of care that originates from the soul and allows us to meet our client’s requirements. 

Senior Homecare Near Me

Contact the Comfort Keepers® North Vancouver and West Vancouver office to learn more about our unique service offering.

Comfort Keepers is an Accredited Senior Care Agency in North and West Vancouver, BC

Comfort Keepers®, the premium home care service for Seniors on the North Shore, was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Achieving the highest available certification in Canada for Accredited Home care services demonstrates Comfort Keepers®’s commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

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References:

Department of Health & Human Services. “Facts and Statistics: Physical Activity.” Web. 2017. NIH Senior Health. “Exercise: Benefits of Exercise.” Web. 2017.
Everyday Health. “10 Surprises About Heart-Healthy Exercise” by Beth W. Orenstein. Web. 2014.
American Senior Communities. “The Best Low Impact Exercises for Seniors.” Web. 2017.
AZ Central. “Low Impact Exercises for Seniors” by Kathryn Rateliff Barr. Web. 2017.

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