Stepping into a routine exercise program is challenging at any age. Exercising is tiring. We don’t want to spend the time. We’re feeling sore from yesterday’s workout. We’ve all made excuses like these for putting off working out; but frailty and advanced age make it even harder to stick to an exercise program.

Hillendale Home Care wants to help encourage senior exercise and help older adults stay active and healthy. Here are just a few ways to overcome the common senior exercise hurdles:

  • Self-confidence: It’s normal for seniors to feel overwhelmed with the idea of meeting workout goals. It might help to begin slowly with workouts that can be accomplished and advance gradually; and, motivate the senior with regular support.
  • Attitude: Attitude is everything with regards to physical fitness. If approached adversely, it’ll be much harder to maintain an effective exercise regimen. Choose activities that’ll be enjoyable and that the senior can look forward to.
  • Pain: The saying, “No pain, no gain” simply is not true. Older adults should avoid overdoing it, and cut back the amount of intensity if experiencing pain or discomfort.
  • Disabilities: Older adults with physical or cognitive restrictions can and should remain active within their ability level. Talk to the physician for a referral to a personal trainer or physical therapist who can put together a program of specialized exercises.
  • Fear of Injury/Balance Issues: You can find many different assistive devices to enable safe, effective exercising.
  • Financial Concerns: It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to stay fit! Walking and other simple exercises in and around the home, using common household items, can be incorporated into an exercise program at little to no cost.
  • Illness or Fatigue: Exercises could be tailored to match the senior’s energy level, and he/she may gradually increase endurance level with time.

 

Keep in mind that the key to ongoing success with a fitness program is to make sure the older adult feels comfortable and safe with the program and the exercises. If soreness is noted in muscles or bones the following day after exercising, a lower intensity can be implemented; and check with the doctor if the pain or discomfort persists.

Hillendale Home Care’s California caregivers will work with your loved one’s doctor to develop a safe senior exercise and fitness program according to his or her abilities to increase strength, independence, and overall quality of life. Contact us at 925-933-8181 to learn more about the benefits of daily exercise for seniors and to learn more about how we can help with expert elder care Walnut Creek, California and the surrounding areas depend on!