As we grow older, some of us may struggle to find the motivation and strength to participate in physical activity. However, engaging in heart-friendly activities can help improve overall cardiovascular health and potentially reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack for elderly relatives or aging parents. Physical exercise is necessary for strong bones, joints, and muscles, as well as an improved quality of life - something that many seniors should not pass up on.
Walking
Walking is an easy and low-impact form of exercise that senior relatives or aging parents can do often. It's been proven to:
- Increase cardiovascular health
- Maintain healthy weight levels
- Boost energy levels
- Increase mental well being
When walking with seniors, it's important to start by going on short walks around the neighborhood for a limited period to give them a chance to build up their strength gradually. Once comfortable doing so, try increasing the time spent walking to lengthen the distances covered each day. Plus, there are a variety of parks located here in Frederick County where seniors can go exploring! Not only will this help boost their physical activity, but it has positive effects on social interaction as well.
Swimming
Swimming is the perfect exercise for elderly individuals, as it has a low impact on their bodies. It helps keep joints flexible and strengthens muscles, which supports balance and coordination. Additionally, swimming laps in a pool has been linked to improved mental health benefits, including reduced depression.
If the senior relative you are caring for doesn't feel comfortable getting in the water on their own, Senior Helpers Frederick offers companionship services that can accompany them during their swims if desired! This will be beneficial if medication needs to be taken before or after the activity.
Biking
Biking is another low-impact exercise that seniors can easily do. It's not only fun, but it also provides excellent cardiovascular benefits, allowing the body to pump more oxygenated blood through the veins with each pedal stroke. This helps strengthen and improve the overall heart health of seniors, plus boosts mood!
If biking indoors in a senior fitness class is preferred by your senior relative, there are multiple group classes available for such activities at parks and recreation centers throughout Frederick County as well. Senior Helpers Frederick can provide transportation services that take over from there - so all you have to worry about is having an enjoyable ride with your loved one!
Gardening
Gardening is an excellent way to get some physical exercise as well as reap the benefits of communing with nature in a safe, fun, and purposeful manner. It boosts mental alertness, lifts spirits, and reduces stress. Gardening also improves strength and mobility by engaging seniors in different stretches and motions throughout their work - plus it can help improve heart health through mild aerobic activity like digging, weeding, or hauling soil around flower beds.
Safety Precautions to Consider
Before engaging in any physical activity with senior relatives, there are safety precautions to consider:
- Ensure they speak with their physician to determine if they're up to the task
- Ensure they wear proper safety gear (like a helmet when biking and comfortable clothing that will not impede movement while walking)
- Stop for frequent breaks
- Keep them hydrated by bringing water along
- Use a monitor to keep track of heart rate
Allow Senior Helpers Frederick to Help
If you feel overwhelmed planning activities for elderly relatives or aging parents, allow Senior Helpers Frederick to help. Our services specialize in providing compassionate and dedicated companionship, transportation assistance, and much more. Let's work together to ensure that your senior loved ones experience the joy of life outside their homes! Contact our team today to learn more about all of the services we offer throughout Frederick, Middletown, Hagerstown, and Thurmont.