As multiple scientific studies have proven, the physical and emotional advantages of regular exercise for seniors are hard to overlook. Benefits include better cardiovascular health, decreased rates of depression, and reduced risks of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Because physical activity plays a protective role in brain function, exercise can ward off cognitive decline as well.
Engaging in regular exercise is just one of the many ways aging adults can boost their health and wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Encourage your elderly loved one to exercise and take advantage of all its health benefits by utilizing the following tips.
Take a Positive Approach
A recent Cornell University study found that when it comes to public health campaigns, positive messages work better at effecting changes in behavior than fear-based messages. Instead of pointing out all the harm a sedentary lifestyle can cause, stress the positive benefits of exercise, which include:
- More energy to engage in favorite activities
- Feeling better about one’s physical appearance
- Fewer aches and pains when performing everyday tasks
- A greater sense of independence
Older adults who require assistance with exercise can benefit from professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Danville Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Seize Every Opportunity
An analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly two-thirds of adults over 65 don’t meet the basic recommendations for exercise. Look for ways to increase your loved one’s level of physical activity as you spend time together. Instead of carrying on a conversation while sitting, chat while you stroll around the garden or walk to a local store. Take a class together that involves physical activity, such as tai chi, dance, or swimming.
Daily activities like shopping, gardening, and housework offer opportunities to exercise with your loved one, too. If the time you spend with your family member is limited, consider hiring a professional caregiver, who will encourage physical activity.
A home caregiver can provide the encouragement and support your loved one needs to stay motivated to live a healthier lifestyle. In Danville, in-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us today.
