Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, people are being forced to stay inside more than usual. With so much time indoors, however, it can be tough to remain active and easy to fall into a sluggish lifestyle. This is often the case for seniors because they can be more susceptible to poor health. Exercising promotes good physical health, alleviates boredom, and boosts emotional health.

Having professional in-home caregivers through a care agency can help older adults to boost their health because caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility. Start small and work your way up to more challenging activities or exercise programs that have been approved by your loved one’s physician. Simply encouraging your senior to take regular breaks from sitting can improve health outcomes. Getting up every hour or so to stand and walk slowly around one’s immediate environment for a few minutes is shown to have beneficial effects on cardio-metabolic health.

The act of getting out of a chair, called the sit-to-stand (STS) transition, is a basic component of mobility that can improve a senior’s muscle strength and minimize activity limitations. Sit-to-stand exercises are commonly used in physical therapy regimens since this ability is crucial for safe transfers in and out of a car, on and off the toilet, and getting in and out of bed. For older adults who use a wheelchair, seated exercises can strengthen their core, upper body and leg muscles. An internet search for seated workouts and wheelchair exercises for seniors will provide videos and descriptions of cardio and strength training workouts. Home care providers can assist with any aspect of this.                                                  

Arm raises are great home exercises for seniors because they can be done whether the elderly individual is standing or sitting down. Wall pushups are also beneficial. Another exercise that can be done while sitting, knee extensions can help improve your balance, which can be especially beneficial for elderly individuals if they have a high fall risk. Chair squats are an excellent exercise for not only your legs but your core as well. Toe lifts are another type of home exercise for seniors that will strengthen your legs and improve your balance. It is also really simple and can be done while doing other activities. 

Caregiver Tips for Increasing a Senior’s Activity Levels

• “Spend at least 15 minutes of the day in the sun and fresh air when possible. Take a walk around the yard or the neighborhood.”
• “Tai chi and waltzing are great. Mom loves waltzing to music from the big band era.”
• “A stationary bike can help keep arthritic knees loose, which also prevents dangerous ‘shuffling’ of feet that can make a senior trip while walking.”
• “Mom works out in the yard, watering and pulling small weeds. It is one of the few things in life she enjoys doing anymore. You don’t need to do anything exotic; sometimes the simplest things work best.”
• “Look for an activity your loved one would enjoy doing with you that you can call something else even though you know it’s really ‘exercise.’ Dancing, birdwatching and walking the dog are the activities I use.”

If you find an activity that appeals to your senior, then you can do it together and enjoy the protective health benefits that come with being active and social. Senior care providers are a wonderful resource for more information on this topic. 

If you find an activity that appeals to your senior, then you can do it together and enjoy the protective health benefits that come with being active and social. Senior care providers are a wonderful resource for more information on this topic.