How Much Should Seniors Exercise?

It should come as no surprise to anyone that all seniors should regularly engage in physical activity, but many people don’t know how much exercise older adults actually need. Some seniors are also concerned they’re going to injure themselves if they try to exercise, which is one of the reasons many of them lead sedentary lives. While getting into the habit of exercising can be challenging for elderly people, those activities could be vital to their physical and mental health.

Benefits of Exercise

Even older adults who aren’t overweight and seem to be relatively healthy should still try to exercise as often as possible. Various studies show consistent physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of several health problems, from arthritis to high blood pressure. As an added bonus, exercising can also boost emotional and mental health. Seniors who exercise at least a few times a week report much lower rates of depression and anxiety. 

If you have concerns about your loved one’s ability to exercise safely, consider hiring a trained professional caregiver to provide assistance. Dallas elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

Appropriate Amounts of Exercise

Every older adult has slightly different needs, and there isn’t a single workout program that will work for each individual person. That being said, most health experts agree seniors should exercise at least five or six days a week. The exercise sessions can last for just a few minutes at a time, but raising the heart rate for around 30 minutes a day is a great goal. Seniors who haven’t worked out in quite some time must first speak with their doctors about any potential risks. Certain medications and health problems can make exercising quite dangerous, and some issues might need to be addressed before your loved one starts a new routine. 

Starting Off Slowly

When it comes to working out, older adults should always start off very slowly. Doing rigorous exercises right away increases the risk of injury, and a single mishap could put your loved one out of commission for months. Seniors must begin with simple workout routines that focus on stretching and becoming more limber. In addition to static stretches, seniors can also engage in yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities. After they’ve followed daily stretching routines for a few weeks, they’ll then be able to implement other movements. 

If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, hiring a professional caregiver to take over on occasion is a great option. Dallas respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

Cardio and Strength Training

As a general rule, everyone should engage in both cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Taking brisk walks, riding a bicycle, and hiking are all examples of steady-state cardio exercises that strengthen the heart and lungs. Strength training, on the other hand, increases muscle mass, which can boost a senior’s agility, reflexes, balance, and joint health. Older adults who aren’t comfortable lifting weights might want to try exercise bands or bodyweight exercises. 

Assistance with exercising safely is just one of the benefits seniors receive when families enlist the help of trained professional caregivers. Dallas senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Call us today at [hca_phone] to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.