Exercising with Limited Mobility: A Home Care Guide for Seniors
Particularly for seniors, staying active is crucial to preserving their health and well-being. However, finding safe and efficient ways to exercise can be difficult when they have limited mobility. There are solutions that can suit varying physical abilities and mobility levels, especially when they have help from home care.
Chair Workouts
Seniors with restricted mobility can maintain an active lifestyle by engaging in chair exercises. These chair-based workouts are beneficial for increasing circulation, strength, and flexibility. Popular chair workouts include the following:
- Marching While Seated: Seated upright in a chair, seniors raise one knee at a time as though they were marching. This improves the muscles in the legs and helps with circulation.
- Seated Leg Lifts: Seniors should lift one leg straight out while seated, hold it for a little while, and then bring it back down. This exercise strengthens the muscles that surround the knee and hip.
- Seated Arm Circles: Seniors should raise their arms to the sides and create little circles in the air. This enhances the strength and flexibility of the shoulders.
Water Aerobics
Because water aerobics decreases impact on the joints due to its buoyancy, it’s a great option for seniors with limited mobility. Senior-specific sessions are available at many community pools, which also creates an opportunity for socialization. While seniors might question whether this type of workout truly works, there is plenty of evidence to support that it does. Plus, not only is water aerobics easy on the joints, but it also increased leg strength and cardiovascular health.
Flexibility and Stretching Exercises
Seniors can also take part in targeted flexibility and stretching classes, or home care can assist them in finding exercise videos online to do in the home. It’s critical for seniors with restricted mobility to maintain flexibility, and workouts that focus on gentle stretching are a great way to achieve this.
Resistance Band Strength Training
Strength training is essential for strong muscles. However, it can be intimidating for seniors. One adaptable and low-impact alternative for strength training is resistance bands. They can be utilized for a variety of exercises that focus on distinct muscle areas. Plus, resistance band workouts can be found online. Seniors should start out slow so they don’t overdo it.
Yoga and Tai Chi
Chair yoga and tai chi are gentle workout styles that emphasize balance and slow, deliberate movements. These exercises can enhance general well-being, strength, and flexibility. There are numerous classes designed especially for seniors to try, both in person and online.
Seniors with restricted mobility should speak with a healthcare provider before beginning any new fitness routine. Once seniors have approval to move forward, home care can help them find the right exercise method. For some, they might like to rotate a few of the ones mentioned above, while others may find one method and stick with it for a while. Either way, the important thing is to get moving and be safe. With home care by their sides, this is easily accomplished.
We provide services in Virginia’s Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William, Fauquier, Culpeper, Stafford, Winchester-Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Richmond City, Chesterfield, and Henrico counties.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Vienna, VA, please contact the caring staff at Care With Love today. 703-935-407
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