Do you have an aging loved one whose health and welfare you constantly worry about? To give them a better quality of life and boost their health, it’s essential they stay as fit and physically active as possible. The risk of certain health conditions can be far lessened – particularly for 55+ adults – through an active lifestyle. This can refer to conditions such as joint issues, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancer types.
Are you looking for some at-home exercises in which your loved one can participate? We have a handful of examples for the two of you to try out together. Feel free to modify any of these, if needed, to better suit any physical limitations you or your loved one may have.
Dancing
Dancing can provide both physical exercise and the opportunity for socialization. Even slow dancing gets people up out of their chairs and moving around. Though some dances look better when performed correctly in a technical sense, there’s no right or wrong way to dance, in general.
This cardio exercise in its most simple form can help boost your loved one’s mood, prevent heart disease, enhance lung function, and increase circulation.
Yoga
One of the most favorable characteristics of yoga – particularly where 55+ adults are concerned – is its low impact and adaptability. Anyone can, with a few simple modifications, participate in yoga, even if they have certain physical limitations.
If you’re interested, learn these six poses WebMD says are appropriate for 55+ adults.
Leg Stretches
As your loved one ages, they can increase flexibility in joints and muscles through some simple, basic leg stretches. From side to side, have them twist their legs while seated on the floor. On each side, they should also lift their legs up and down. If this is not comfortable, modify the intensity, or find a suitable alternative.
Ping-Pong
Even with some mobility limitations, even retirement age adults can enjoy this fun and simple activity. Playing ping-pong offers a variety of benefits including enhanced arm strength, flexibility, and coordination. What’s more, their mental skills will be sharpened, and a socialization opportunity is provided.
Stepping Exercises
To boost balance and coordination, as well as increase muscle strength, have your loved one pretend that there is an imaginary box in front of them. They will lift their leg to step over it, then lift the other leg to step over the imaginary box. Have them turn around and repeat this movement as many times as they can.
Arm Lifts
Either with or without weights, simply by lifting one’s arms up and down, upper body strength can be increased through arm lifts. Naturally, this exercise would be considered more effective if weights can be used. It all depends on the capabilities of the individual.
Health and Wellness Opportunities for Retirement Age Adults
Residents at Rittenhouse Village At Michigan City can enjoy our Dimensions Health and Fitness program which focuses on the mental, intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, and emotional wellness of each individual. Additionally, we offer parties, dances, educational opportunities, game nights, and more through our Celebrations Activities and Events program. There is no shortage of activities and opportunities – both mental and physical – for the residents of this community.
