Maintaining a level of fitness as we age is just as essential for our health as staying physically active does for anyone. Physical activity, such as stretching and strength training, has been shown to increase lifespan, lower the chance of disease, elevate mood, and make going about daily tasks much simpler.
Not all seniors are able or want to sign up for a structured exercise programme away from home. Of course, this is less likely to be a choice now after the COVID-19 pandemic. But getting the necessary activity doesn’t even require leaving your house. That’s because a sturdy chair—a basic item that is already in our living space—can be used to perform a variety of exercises.
You can add a few easy chair exercises as a part of daily exercise regimen. These simple movements have a lot to offer. Let’s look at some benefits of chair exercises for seniors, especially those with mobility issues in assisted living facilities.
The Benefits of Senior Chair Exercises
Exercise while being seated has many wonderful advantages. The main advantage that seniors get from chair exercises is that they can perform without the risks associated with other forms of exercise. A level of stability that is not present with other physical activities that necessitate standing is added because you will be seated the entire time. This significantly lowers the risk of falls and other accidents.
- The following are some key benefits of chair exercises:
- Greater range of movements and flexibility
- An increase in arterial flow
- Heightened muscular power
- Improved equilibrium
- Less joint discomfort and stiffness
- Improved focus and improved happiness
- Reduced amounts of anxiety and stress
It’s time to look at some specific exercises that seniors can attempt after seeing how chair exercises for seniors can boost overall fitness and improve health. They have a choice as to which ones they enjoy and which ones they would prefer to avoid or perhaps even build up to, depending on their physical capabilities.
Examples of Senior Chair Exercises
There are a virtually infinite number of exercises that can be done while seated on a chair. Let’s concentrate on chair exercises that are intended to help seniors keep or improve their strength, endurance, and flexibility. These senior chair exercises can strengthen the back, arms, thighs, and core, among other muscle areas.
- Wrist and ankle rolls
- Leg or knee lifts
- Arm raises
- Tummy twists
- Sit-and-stands
- Bicep curls
Start Right Away with Senior Chair Exercises
Seniors can strengthen their entire body with chair exercises, including core muscles, glutes, lower and upper back, legs, and limbs. Additionally, because the chair offers stability, all of this can be done without any risks. Maintaining excellent muscle strength and mobility will make it simpler to do things like sit, stand, get out of bed, balance, and move around the house or in your retirement community. Maintaining a high standard of life in the golden years of retirement requires a gentle exercise regimen. So, pick a chair, place it in a relaxed setting and kick start your health routine today!
