Orlando Home Care
Poor dietary choices, lack of exercise and a high stressed lifestyle will eventually lead to loss of mobility, endurance and stamina. Since the majority live sedentary lives, it’s not surprising that disease attacks so many from middle age to retirement. No matter what age you are, you can avoid many of today’s common aches and pains by getting on an exercise program that builds a healthy foundation for the older years.
The first priority for every senior contemplating exercise must think about safety. Even if you have run a marathon in the past, you need to select exercises you feel comfortable doing and don’t stress the joints. If you are searching for a good exercise program, your first action is to see your doctor and get a check-up on your present state of health. Plunging into any activity can lead to physical disability.
Walking is the best form of exercise for any age group. It is flexible as it can be adjusted to accommodate every physical condition. For the average person in general good health, a daily 20 minute walk is all that’s necessary to reap the benefits. A good pair of shoes and some companionship can make the act of walking enjoyable. Many seniors go on hiking trips and nature walks. If going out camping isn’t enjoyable, you can join walking groups that meet to hike through a park, or walk through a nearby mega mall during inclement weather.
Swimming comes a close second next to walking. The buoyancy of water is easy on stiff ankles, knees and thighs. Pool aerobics is a popular activity among seniors and none of them need to worry about showing off sags, moles and wrinkles.
Sports is not just limited to the youth. Many seniors can be found on the links for a round of golf. Tennis is yet another favorite summer activity. For winter, there’s bowling and curling. All these require group activity with each member supporting the other to keep active.
Judo and karate don’t fit the elderly lifestyle, but flexibility doesn’t need to be sacrificed when simple exercises like tai chi, qi-gong and yoga are excellent ways to keep joints limber.
Those who possess more flexibility can get a set of light weights to exercise at home. If weight lifting isn’t desirable, there’s always dancing. Whether it’s jiving to the golden oldies or taking up ballroom dancing, many seniors can have fun and stay in shape.
Crafts are particularly suited for the elderly. Painting, crocheting, knitting or woodworking keep muscles flexible. There’s one advantage to taking up a new hobby during retirement. Many a senior has turned their favorite hobby into a home based business. Gardening is a favorite activity for seniors and the excess can be sold through farmer’s markets, flea markets and fairs, all of which make staying active necessary.
Travel requires planning and packing for the journey. Sightseeing requires you to walk and if you have the grandkids along, you’ve got a better chance to stay healthy. There’s no reason for any senior to languish in front of the television when there’s so much of the world to explore.
Exercise does not need to be boring or strenuous. Considering that seniors have a lot of free time on their hands, exercise can be flexible in so many ways. Along with a healthy diet, the golden years can become far more memorable than all the previous years of stress and strife associated with making a living.
The Nurses at Partners in Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to stay healthy at home with RN managed affordable care. We are a senior care agency providing elder home care serves in Winter Park, Lake Mary, Longwood and the rest of the Orlando area, 407-788-9393.
