Swimming and water aerobics are great ways for our elderly friends and relatives to exercise as it is low-impact and gentle on the body. At the same time, it works out the entire body at once and helps them achieve great results, whatever their goals may be.
Water activities are not only great for our seniors, but our seniors with Alzheimer's Disease can benefit from the activity specifically, decreasing the quantity and severity of disease symptoms. In fact, there are at least six benefits of swimming for seniors who need Alzheimer's care in their homes.
Improves General Health
First of all, exercising in the water improves a person's physical and mental health constructively and tangibly.
- gets the heart moving, increasing the amount of oxygen sent throughout the body and reduces blood pressure, decreasing chances for heart attacks and strokes
- strengthens the lungs and maintains their air capacity, which can decrease with age and diseases, such as arthritis
- easy on tired and painful joints because the water takes the pressure off of them and allows them to relax
- osteoporosis prevention and symptom maintenance as the side effects of exercising encourage stronger bones and muscles tone
- maintaining or increasing flexibility which helps keep people independent and on their feet for longer
- reducing stress and anxiety through the introduction of endorphins and other feel-good hormones that flood the brain
- decreasing depression through a balance of hormones and a more in-tune circadian rhythm
When it comes to someone with Alzheimer's Disease, every single one of these physical and mental health exercises can be useful to increase brain function, memory, and mood.
Strengthens Balance and Coordination
Water activities increase our balance and coordination, decreasing falls and other accidents. An increase in hand-eye coordination has also been noted as a direct result of swimming, which helps with manual dexterity. People with this disease can lose their ability to grasp objects and their depth perception decreases along with the progression of the disease.
Decreases General Pain
Many of our seniors feel general pain and stiffness that naturally comes with aging, but swimming has been known to decrease pain levels and release stiff muscles. Many of our loved ones with Alzheimer's may not be able to verbally express if they feel pain, and where they feel pain. Swimming can take care of some of the pain that we can't see.
Encourages Sleep
Water exercises promote better sleep in general, which increases a person's energy levels and metabolism. It also decreases anxiety at night, which can prevent someone with the disease from sleeping. Many, many people with Alzheimer's have trouble sleeping, which throws off their essential routine. Not only does the exercise encourage a deeper sleep but also helps the individual start and maintain a healthy sleeping schedule.
Lowers Dementia Risk
Swimming decreases dementia risk by increasing the building and maintaining of new and existing synapses in the brain, increasing a person's ability to think and make connections quickly and more effectively. This is particularly important to the Alzheimer's crowd because the main symptom of their disease is dementia. Slow down dementia and you may be able to slow down the serious effects of Alzheimer's.
Increases Socialization Opportunities
Swimming classes can increases socialization among our seniors. Our elderly loved ones need more socialization opportunities than they are usually given. They have the chance to make friends and be around other people their age. Feeling lonely, or alone, increases anxiety and can be the catalyst that causes someone to sit on the couch and never want to get up again.
A great place to start looking for group classes or a comfortable place, that's not too crowded, or loud, (and doesn't suffocate you with chlorine) is a local gym or YMCA. Since everyone with Alzheimer's is different, you will have to gauge whether certain classes, certain teachers, or certain groups of people are better for your loved one. They may also need assistance in the water, a companion to help them, just in case they get lost.
Senior Helpers works with clients in the Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Menlo Park communities. They can help you look for a great place to introduce your loved one to water aerobics and swimming. It's one of the many services offered to our family members who choose to age in place and stay in their homes.
Whether you are searching for a full-time aide or simply a companion to accompany them when you cannot be there, we are here for your comfort and security.