The advantages of exercise don’t diminish as we age, and it’s extremely important for elderly adults to keep up as active a lifestyle as possible. Even people who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound have a full range of elderly exercise routines available to strengthen, improve resistance and flexibility.

The initial step is always to check with the doctor to get a recommendation and approval for a workout program that’s attainable for the senior. Initially, exercising even as little as several minutes a day, repeated several times throughout the day, can greatly enhance the senior’s health.

Following are several types of elderly exercise routines for seniors at all levels of fitness:

  • Aerobic Exercises: If full body movements aren’t possible, exercises from a seated position are an excellent option to build cardio strength. If possible, other aerobic exercise options include:
    • Swimming or water aerobics
    • Dancing
    • Walking
    • Tai Chi
    • Bowling
  • Resistance Workouts: To enhance and strengthen muscles, resistance weight exercises can be performed with elastic bands, available in a number of tensile strengths. The Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences states that even only one day per week of resistance training helps older adults maintain independence and reduce the risk of injuries.
  • Flexibility Exercises: Stretches help improve flexibility and freedom of movement. Check for yoga classes at local senior or activity centers.
  • Alzheimer’s Exercises: In the first stages of Alzheimer’s especially, a variety of exercise options are available, and with increasing supervision and some modifications, can be maintained as the disease progresses. Since repetition is often a comfort to those with Alzheimer’s disease, activities such as walking, riding a stationary bike, and folding laundry are beneficial to both the person’s physical and mental state.

 

Click here to learn more about why exercise is so important for elderly loved ones.

Encouraging your senior loved one to begin and then stick with an exercise regime is key to success. Try these tips to also make it be something fun that he or she will look forward to:

  • Participate in a workout program with the older adult. It’s always more fun to exercise with a buddy.
  • Add favorite, upbeat music.
  • Set aside dedicated time each day for exercise, and make it a priority.
  • Designate incentives or rewards for attaining milestones.

 

For more recommendations on helping increase exercise levels for elderly individuals, contact Hillendale Home Care of Walnut Creek, CA. Our expert California caregivers are experienced in helping seniors thrive and enhance their overall wellbeing, and we love nothing more than knowing the seniors within our care are healthy and enjoying life to the fullest! Call us at 925-933-8181 to find out more about eldercare Walnut Creek, CA and the surrounding areas depend on!