Establishing a routine exercise schedule is not easy at any age. Exercising is strenuous. We may not want to commit the time. We’re feeling aches and pains from yesterday’s physical exertion. We’ve all made excuses such as these for not exercising; but frailty and advanced age make it even more difficult to keep up with an exercise plan and maintain senior fitness.
Effraim Home Care wants to help the elderly continue to remain active with ideas to overcome the following prevalent senior fitness roadblocks:
- Self-confidence: It’s normal for seniors to feel overwhelmed with the idea of achieving exercise goals. It can be beneficial to start slowly with exercises that are easy to accomplish and progress little by little; and, inspire the senior with frequent encouragement.
- Attitude: Attitude is vital when it comes to physical fitness. If approached in a negative way, it will be much tougher to stay with an effective exercise regimen. Opt for activities that will be fun and that the older adult will look forward to.
- Pain: The saying, “No pain, no gain” just isn’t true. Aging adults should stay away from overdoing it, and cut back the level of intensity if experiencing pain or discomfort.
- Disabilities: Older adults with physical or cognitive constraints can and should remain active according to their ability level. Check with the physician for a referral to a personal trainer or physical therapist who can come up with a program of specialized exercises.
- Fear of Injury/Balance Problems: There are a range of adaptive devices to support safe, effective exercising while still improving senior fitness.
- Financial Concerns: It does not need to cost a fortune to stay fit! Walking and other basic exercises in and around the house, using typical household objects, can be incorporated into an exercise program at little to no cost.
- Illness or Fatigue: Exercises can be adapted to match the older individual’s energy level, and he or she may progressively increase the endurance level in time.
Keep in mind that the way to ongoing success with an exercise program is to assure the senior feels comfortable and safe with the plan and the exercises. If soreness is noted in muscles or joints the next day after exercising, a lower intensity can be implemented; and check with the doctor if the pain or discomfort continues.
Effraim Home Care’s caregivers will work hand in hand with your loved one’s physician to establish a safe exercise plan in accordance with his or her abilities to increase strength, independence, and overall quality of life. Give us a call at (215) 826-7422 to learn more about the positive aspects of daily exercise in improving senior fitness and to discover more about how we provide the kind of elder care seniors deserve. To learn more about our Abington home care team and the other areas that we serve in Pennsylvania, please visit our Locations Served page.
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