Top Myths Surrounding Exercise and the Elderly

No matter your loved one’s age, seniors can benefit from regular exercise. Seniors don’t have to engage in strenuous workouts or sessions at the gym to enjoy the benefits of exercising. In fact, if you design a workout plan with the help of your home care professional, just one or two short sessions of exercise a day may be enough to improve your elderly loved one’s outlook and overall health. Unfortunately, many myths surround exercise and the elderly, so here’s a look at common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1 – Your Senior is Too Old to Exercise

You and your elderly family member may be afraid that he or she is too old to exercise. However, not exercising can be the riskier option and may result in speeding up aging. Inactive seniors are more likely to develop health problems, such as heart disease. Of course, seniors that haven’t exercised in a long time should always begin very slowly and should consult with a physician before beginning a new exercise program. Your in-home care provider can help you get your senior started with a new program, slowly and carefully.

Myth #2 – Aerobic Exercise is Too Rigorous

Some seniors and their family caregivers worry that aerobic exercise may be too rigorous and that a hip fracture may occur during exercise. However, some aerobics can be added to the senior’s workout routine to improve conditioning and overall health. Remember, aerobic exercise doesn’t need to involve high impact activities.

Myth #3 – Older Adults Should Rest and Not Exercise

Just because your loved one is aging doesn’t mean they should spend all of their time resting and saving their strength. A sedentary lifestyle can result in serious health problems, particularly for aging adults. Inactivity has the potential to cause the elderly to lose the ability to take care of simple activities on their own. Leading a sedentary lifestyle has the potential to result in more medical problems, doctor visits and hospitalizations.

Myth #4 – Exercise Won’t Work for Disabled Seniors

Some seniors deal with disabilities that keep them chair bound, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t exercise. With the help of your senior care professional, you can come up with special exercises, such as chair aerobics, chair Tai Chi, chair yoga, and other chair-based exercise routines that can be used to improve flexibility, cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and range of motion.

Physical exercise provides seniors with a variety of health and mental benefits. Just a few of the benefits include weight loss, improved balance, better sleep, improved memory, and a reduced impact of chronic disease or illness. Don’t believe the myths surrounding exercise and seniors. Instead, work together with your home care provider to make sure your elderly loved one gets enough exercise each week.

Source

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/exercise-and-fitness-as-you-age.htm
http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/exercise-myths-seniors.html
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/exercise-and-aging-myths

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in the Denver Metro Area, please call and speak to the caring staff at Talem Home Care. Call today at (720) 797-8548.