Get Up and Move: Top Activities for Seniors’ Health and Well-being
February 14, 2024
Keeping up an active and healthy lifestyle becomes more crucial as we get older. Engaging in physical activity not only enhances physical health but also plays a major role in improving mental and emotional wellness. However, many seniors may find it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle for a variety of reasons, including diminished mobility, long-term health issues, or a general sense of loneliness. The good news is that seniors can lead lively and satisfying lives well into their golden years if they receive the appropriate home care assistance and support.
In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best things seniors can do to stay active and healthy, as well as how receiving home care assistance may significantly improve their quality of life.
Why Is an Active Lifestyle Important for Seniors?
Before taking a look at the best activities for seniors to try, let’s delve into why an active lifestyle is important:
- Physical well-being: Engaging in regular exercise lowers the risk of falls and accidents by maintaining seniors' strength, flexibility, and balance.
- Mental Health: Engaging in physical activity generates endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that help reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- Cognitive Function: Research has indicated that maintaining an intellectual and physical activity level can help lower the chance of dementia and cognitive decline.
- Social Engagement: Taking part in group activities helps people make new friends and lessens feelings of isolation and loneliness.
What Activities Are Best for Seniors?
- Walking: For seniors, walking is one of the easiest yet most beneficial types of exercise. It doesn't require any specialized equipment, is practically always feasible, and has minimal impact.
- Swimming: Swimming works the entire body and is easy on the joints. Water aerobics programs and swim lessons are available for seniors at many community centers.
- Chair Workouts: Chair workouts are a great option for seniors who have limited mobility. While sitting comfortably, these exercises can help increase circulation, strength, and flexibility. With home care assistance, seniors can find chair workouts that focus on certain areas or activities, such as chair yoga.
- Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a kind of gentle martial art that emphasizes deep breathing and slow, flowing movements. It enhances relaxation, flexibility, and balance.
- Gardening: Besides being an excellent means of physical exercise, gardening also offers psychological benefits and a feeling of achievement. Elderly people can take care of indoor plants, grow a small vegetable garden, or just spend time outside.
- Yoga: Yoga encourages relaxation, balance, and flexibility. Numerous yoga programs are designed with seniors in mind and can be adjusted to suit varying skill levels.
How Does Home Care Assistance Help?
Simply understanding the benefits they gain from physical activity isn’t enough for some seniors. Many may have mobility issues or be nervous to try something new. The encouragement and support they receive from home care assistance is invaluable for helping them take the first step. In addition, with home care assistance by their side, seniors gain transportation services to get to activities, companionship during those activities, and a customized care plan based on their requirements and preferences.
It’s common knowledge that seniors must remain involved and active to preserve their health and well-being. With the support of home care assistance and loved ones, they can do this while learning new things and learning to love each day.
If you or your loved one is looking for Home Care Assistance in Aptos, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990