It’s vital to explain to your aging parents they need to stay active in order to maintain their well-being. There are various benefits of seniors staying active, which is why it is so important for them to find ways to exercise. This is also true for elderly parents in a wheelchair. If your aging parents have trouble walking, there are still plenty of exercises they can do to stay healthy and strong. Let’s discuss some helpful tips on how you can help your aging parents stay healthy and happy.
Why Is It Important for Seniors to Stay Active?
As we age, it becomes more important to stay active and exercise regularly. This is because the elderly are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as stroke, type II diabetes, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, seniors are also more likely to experience a decline in cognitive function and mobility. Exercise has been shown to improve all of these conditions.
It’s essential to find the perfect way for your aging parents to stay active. Even if they are using a power wheelchair for adults, there are options to stretch a little. Regular exercise can help aging parents maintain their independence by improving their strength, balance, and flexibility.
5 Crucial Benefits of Having an Active Lifestyle for Seniors
1. Prevent Chronic Disease
We know that seniors are more prone to developing chronic diseases. These include heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. However, by leading an active lifestyle, seniors can reduce their risk of developing severe diseases.
2. Improve Mental Health
Exercise has been shown to enhance mental health and cognitive function. For seniors, this means a reduced risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
A recent study found that the elderly who exercised for at least 150 minutes per week had a 35% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study found that seniors who exercised three times per week for six months had an increase in brain volume. This is crucial because a decrease in brain volume is a common sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Less Chance to Fall
Falls are a common accident in seniors. In fact, one in three seniors aged 65 and over will fall each year. However, seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to fall. This is because exercise properly strengthens the muscles and improves balance.
4. Enhance Cognitive Function
Seniors who stay active have a better chance of maintaining their cognitive function. A recent study found that seniors who did moderate to high-intensity exercise had better motor skills than those who didn’t exercise.
5. Get Social
Staying active can help seniors communicate with their peers. Joining a seniors’ exercise class or swimming group is a great way to meet new friends and have some fun.
How to Stay Active as a Senior
There are various ways for seniors to keep an active lifestyle. Here are some ideas:
● Join an exercise class at your local community center or recreation center.
● Go for walks with a family member or a friend.
● Do gentle exercises at home, such as stretching or yoga.
● Swim laps at the local pool.
● Play golf, tennis, or another favorite sport.
For seniors with limited mobility:
● Look for seniors’ fitness programs at your local YMCA or community center. Many seniors’ centers offer exercise classes specifically for seniors in wheelchairs provided by accredited fitness trainers.
● There are also wheelchair sports teams that compete against other teams from around the country. Some examples of wheelchair sports include basketball, rugby, and tennis.
If your elderly parent is not able to participate in an exercise class, there are other ways to help them stay active. You can go on walks with them, help them do yard work, or even dance with them in the living room.
Conclusion
The elderly who stay active tend to live longer, have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and have a lower risk of developing dementia. They also tend to have more energy, a better mood, and a better quality of life overall. The essential thing is to find an activity that they enjoy, and that will help them stay active.
