February 15, 2017 by
Engaging in a routine exercise regimen is daunting at any age. Working out is tiring. We don’t want to invest the time. We’re feeling sore from yesterday’s workout. We have all made excuses like these for not working out; but frailty and advanced age make it even harder to stick to an exercise program or any type of physical activities for seniors.
At Home Independent Living, the leaders in in-home senior care in Marietta, NY and nearby areas, wants to help seniors stay active with suggestions to overcome the following common fitness barriers:
- Self-confidence: It’s normal for older adults to feel overwhelmed with the idea of meeting exercise goals. It might help to begin slowly with exercises that can be achieved and advance slowly; and, motivate the senior with regular support.
- Attitude: Attitude is everything regarding physical fitness. If approached adversely, it will likely be much harder to maintain an effective exercise regimen. Select activities that will be enjoyable and that the senior can look forward to.
- Pain: The saying, “No pain, no gain” simply isn’t true. Seniors should avoid overdoing it, and cut back the amount of intensity if experiencing pain or discomfort.
- Disabilities: Older adults with physical or cognitive limits can and should remain active within their level of ability. Check with the doctor for a referral to a personal trainer or physical therapist who can put together a program of specialized exercises.
- Fear of Injury/Balance Issues: You can find a variety of assistive devices to allow for safe, effective exercising.
- Financial Concerns: It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to stay fit! Walking and other simple exercises in and around the house, using ordinary household items, can be incorporated into an exercise program at little to no cost.
- Illness or Fatigue: Exercises can be personalized to match the senior’s energy level, and he or she may slowly increase endurance level with time.
Consider that the key to ongoing success with physical activities for seniors is to ensure the older adult feels comfortable and safe with the program and the exercises. If soreness is noted in muscles or joints the following day after exercising, a lesser intensity can be implemented; and check with the doctor if the pain or discomfort persists.
At Home Independent Living caregivers will work with your family member’s doctor to determine safe physical activities that are perfect for your specific loved one and his or her abilities to increase strength, independence, and general quality of life. Call us at 315.579.HOME (4663) or contact us online for more information about the benefits of daily exercise for older adults and to learn more about how our in-home senior care in Marietta, NY and nearby areas can help!