Injuries related to slips and falls are common among the elderly and can often lead to long-term pain and functional impairment. However, even moderate exercise can help your senior loved one prevent injuries. Here are some exercise activities for staying fit and reducing the chance of falling.
Staves Off Chronic Diseases
Diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis are some of the chronic diseases that can increase the risk of slips and falls. These chronic diseases could cause your loved one to be inactive, depressed, and stressed and result in a loss of function. If your loved one exercises, he or she could maintain a healthy body weight and stave off diabetes. Moderate exercise could also reduce the chances of a stroke, arthritis, and other health conditions, which decreases the odds of slipping and falling.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a senior home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Builds Muscle Mass
After the age of 60, a person’s muscle mass decreases by three percent each year. Loss of muscle mass affects overall muscle strength, and weak muscles are a major factor that can lead to falling. Progressive resistance training, such as lifting light weights and using elastic exercise bands, may be effective in increasing your loved one’s muscle mass and building strength.
Enhances Posture
Exercise can help seniors build their muscles and give them the energy to stand for longer. A moderate exercise routine can also help elderly individuals strengthen their back muscles. By enhancing his or her posture, your loved one could reduce the risk of slipping and falling. Exercising regularly can keep the shoulders even, the abdominal muscles pulled in, and the spine straight. Good posture centers your loved one’s weight over his or her feet and keeps him or her balanced.
Boosts Balance
Balance training not only helps the elderly reduce their chances of falling, but it can also mend fall-related injuries. If your loved one falls, it could lead to broken bones and limit his or her mobility. Falls can be prevented through balance training because it boosts reaction time and coordination and strengthens bones. A single-leg stance is one example of balance training your loved one can participate in.
Enhances Mobility
If your loved one has limited mobility, this doesn’t mean he or she cannot exercise. Exercise can be done on the floor, in a chair, and on the bed. Cardiovascular exercises, such as water aerobics, can raise the heart rate and increase endurance without risking falls. Strength training exercises, such as light weight lifting, can build muscle and bone mass. Exercises that promote flexibility, such as yoga and stretching, can enhance range of motion.
If your loved one needs help maintaining a regular exercise routine or assistance with general mobility, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Tucson, AZ, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Reduces the Need for Medications
Some over-the-counter and prescribed medications could cause seniors to become dizzy or dehydrated, which increases the risk of experiencing a fall. If your loved one is taking medication for a condition such as anxiety, high blood pressure, or heart disease, exercise could boost his or her health and possibly reduce the need to take the medications. The side effects and interactions of certain medications could also cause your loved one to fall. If your loved one doesn’t need to take medications, he or she could reduce the risk of slipping and falling.
If your loved one needs help performing exercises and accomplishing daily tasks, consider hiring a dedicated caregiver. Tucson home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Call Home Care Assistance at (520) 276-6555 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.