Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by Ahmad Shahzad
They say that age catches up with everyone, which is undeniable. However, there is no universal law of aging that can be applied to everyone by default. People don’t age at the same rate, thanks to both internal and external factors. While we cannot control all those factors, there are a few that we can indeed control to good effect. In this post, we will discuss exactly what seniors can do to stay active, irrespective of whether they are 60, 70, or even 80-years-old.
Assess
Regular assessment of one’s physical and mental wellbeing is considered a necessary step for all adults. However, those medical examinations gain more importance with age. This is the assessment stage where your medical practitioners will tell you:
- If you have developed any new/additional health concerns.
- If any of your preexisting conditions have worsened.
- If there is medical evidence to suggest that an urgent change in lifestyle is necessary.
- Possible avenues of managing and/or treating the newly detected/existing conditions.
- What you can and cannot do to improve/stay healthy and fit.
- Whether you need assisted living conditions to lead a better, more fulfilling lifestyle.
Rehabilitate
Rehabilitation is a necessary stage of recovery after an accident/stroke/surgery. Restorative therapy, on the other hand, is the actual combination of exercise and physical therapy that helps patients heal during the rehabilitation stage. When it comes to restorative therapy St Louis assisted living and extended care facilities incorporate it as a default part of their residents’ quality of life, independent living, and physical fitness program.
Under the guidance of a certified physical therapist, restorative therapy can be of immense help to all seniors, especially after sixty-five. It has been associated with increased functional strength, better neuromuscular coordination, improved balance, improved mobility, faster recovery, and even reactivation of lost neuromuscular connections (stroke/clots/pinched nerve, etc.).
Lift
The only way anyone can remain fit and active, irrespective of their age is through exercising. However, just like the process of aging itself, exercise may also mean vastly different things to different seniors. Nonetheless, there is scientific proof that shows resistance/weight training for 65+ elders can indeed be the most beneficial form of exercise.
Surprising as it may sound, most seniors do have more to gain from lifting weights than they do from participating in any other form of exercise. There are exceptions though, so go through the following points before starting anything.
- There should not be anything in the reports that suggest weight training can be harmful for the patient.
- The patient’s supervising doctor must be informed and consulted with beforehand.
- A senior should never start lifting on their own, but only under the guidance of a certified trainer.
- Resistance training does not need to involve heavy weights at all, as long as the amount of weight can provide some resistance.
It should be noted that even pushups, free squats, and pull ups qualify as resistance training. In free hand exercise such as these, the muscles are used to break through the gravitational resistance as exerted by their own body mass.
How to Incorporate Low-Impact Exercise into Your Daily Routine as a Senior?
For seniors who are unable to participate in high-impact exercise, low-impact exercise can be an effective way to stay active and healthy. Low-impact exercises are activities that don’t put excessive stress on joints and are generally considered safe for seniors. These exercises can improve flexibility, balance, strength, and overall health, and can be incorporated into daily routines.
Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises for seniors. It is easy, convenient, and can be done anywhere. Seniors can start by taking short walks and gradually increasing the duration and intensity of their walks. Swimming and water aerobics are also great low-impact exercises for seniors. The water’s buoyancy reduces the impact on joints and provides resistance for a more effective workout.
Yoga and Pilates are also low-impact exercises that can improve flexibility and balance. These exercises can be done at home with the help of online tutorials or with a certified instructor. Tai Chi is another low-impact exercise that is particularly beneficial for seniors. It involves slow, flowing movements that improve balance, flexibility, and strength.
Resistance bands and light weights can be used for strength training exercises. These exercises can improve bone density, muscle strength, and balance. Seniors can also incorporate stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent muscle stiffness.
Incorporating low-impact exercises into daily routines can improve seniors’ overall health and well-being. Seniors should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine and should start with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the intensity as they progress.
