5 Top Benefits of Swimming for Seniors Who Need Alzheimer's Care
When a family member needs in-home care, you need to consider some factors. One of the most important is to keep them active and engaged to be as healthy as possible. It can be challenging to find a way to stay active without risking injury or further complications from their disease. Swimming keeps your loved one healthy, and it has many benefits as follows:
1. Swimming Stimulates Brain Activity
Research shows that swimming stimulates brain activity. It's excellent for those who need physical activity but are at risk for injury from high-impact exercises like running or jogging. For example, it increases blood flow throughout the body, which helps us think more clearly and remember information better.
Similarly, it also improves our moods by releasing endorphins in our brains which are the same chemicals released when you laugh.
2. It’s a Low-Impact Activity
Swimming is a low-impact exercise safe on your joints. It's much easier on your body than other types of exercise. It even helps train every muscle in your body while keeping you afloat in water, which is easy on your bones.
Being a low-impact task, it doesn't require much upper body strength compared to weight lifting. And there's no need for intense balancing like yoga. It enhances muscle tone, which improves balance and coordination. These are crucial elements when caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer's.
3. Swimming Is Fun and Therapeutic
Most people like being in the water without worrying about getting hurt or falling over. It makes them feel safer and more relaxed, which is essential for those with dementia. They may become anxious or stressed out quickly due to their condition affecting their memory.
It is fun and provides support for people with Alzheimer's. They can move through it as it holds them up and helps them feel less vulnerable. Also, the water buoyancy allows them to move freely without worrying about falling over or getting hurt.
4. It Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Swimming is one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps you escape your busy life, clear your mind, and focus on breathing and body. You can connect with friends or family members if you're swimming in a pool together.
This activity reduces cortisol levels and increases serotonin levels in your brain to lower stress and mood disorders. The physical exertion of swimming will release endorphins that lower blood pressure and increase feelings of euphoria.
5. Promotes Mental Calmness
The mental benefits of swimming are just as significant as the physical ones. Water is calming, soothing, and relaxing to help someone with dementia feel at ease in their environment again.
Swimming can be part of services offered through companion care. It is a great exercise that allows you to enjoy time in the water while being safe and supervised. Family members can facilitate safer or monitored swimming when busy or far away by ensuring your caregiver has experience with swimming.
Also, your family should consider hiring two caregivers. One can supervise the swim while the other takes care of your loved one's needs.
Conclusion
Swimming has many benefits for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. The positive effects improve their overall well-being, like stress and anxiety reduction. If you want qualified home care in Chino, San Bernardino County, or the Corona area, please contact us at 909-256-0240 or Senior Helpers Inland Empire.