Seniors should aim to exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day. However, your aging loved one may need to find ways to scale back his or her former fitness routine if he or she is no longer able to do things such as maintain proper balance. As your loved one works on increasing his or her fitness, you can use these tips to help him or her stay safe while exercising.
Consult with a Physician Before Starting a New Routine
A yoga class may look like a lot of fun, but it could cause your loved one to get injured if he or she does a pose without knowing the proper form. Always have your loved one check in with the physician before trying a new form of exercise. Consulting with a physician can prevent injuries as well as potential complications that could arise from putting too much strain on the heart.
If your loved one needs transportation to attend medical appointments, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care, Green Valley, AZ, families can turn to Embrace In-Home Care. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Identify Safe Routes for Walks
Walking is an excellent form of exercise most seniors can get approved by their doctors. However, your loved one may need to be more careful about where he or she walks. Help your loved one find paths with solid terrain that doesn’t have small rocks that could cause him or her to slip. Your loved one may also want to look for paths with ramps and choose routes away from main streets to further increase safety.
Know When to Stop and Take a Break
Seniors can sometimes get so into their exercise routines that they overdo it. Not only can this cause them to get injured, but they could also end up too sore to exercise for several days. Encourage your loved one take a moment during the workout to see if his or her pace needs to be adjusted. As a general rule, seniors should be able to maintain normal conversations as they work out. If your loved one exercises away from home, make sure there are places to sit down when he or she needs to stop.
Some older adults may need assistance with exercise so they can maintain their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Embrace In-Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is a serious issue for any athlete, and seniors can get so dizzy from dehydration that they fall and get hurt. Seniors should drink water before they begin their exercise routines and sip water during their workouts. To avoid stomach upset, encourage your loved one to take smaller sips rather than guzzling the entire bottle at once.
Exercise with a Companion
Many things can happen while seniors are exercising that could jeopardize their health. Find a companion who can accompany your parent on walks or provide support with exercises such as leg lifts. Seniors who swim should also be warned to never do so alone. A home caregiver can accompany your loved one to the swimming pool and turn the workout into an enjoyable social activity. Seniors may also find taking walks with companions is far more enjoyable than trying to do it alone.
Getting regular exercise is just one of the many ways aging adults can remain independent while aging in place. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Green Valley seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Call Embrace In-Home Care today at (520) 625-2050 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.