At Home Exercise Tips For Seniors

By Jessica Ott | July 8, 2024 |

If your senior parent can’t get out of the house easily, they can exercise at home to help improve their flexibility and mobility. Seniors need to get regular movement, even if they don’t leave the house very much. Elder care providers can help your mom or dad be more active at home.

With support and encouragement from an elder care provider, your mom or dad will be motivated to move more and try new activities. An elder care provider can also help your parent try streaming workouts or online exercise classes designed for seniors with limited mobility.

If your mom or dad knows they should be more active but aren’t sure how to get more activity at home these tips can help them start exercising safely at home:

Elder Care Thomasville PA – At Home Exercise Tips For Seniors

Start Slowly and Gradually Increase the Intensity

It’s important to begin with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the intensity as strength and endurance improve. This helps prevent injury and builds confidence. If your senior parent has been sedentary for a long time they may need to start with just a few minutes of movement each day. That’s ok. It’s a good place to start.

Warm Up and Cool Down

Seniors should always start with a gentle warm-up to prepare the muscles and joints for exercise and end with a cool-down to help the body recover. Simple movements like marching in place or gentle stretching are effective.

Focus on Balance Exercises

Balance exercises can help prevent falls and improve stability. Simple exercises like standing on one foot, heel-to-toe walking, or using a stability ball can be beneficial. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to be helpful. For seniors, focusing on balance and flexibility can have big benefits.

Incorporate Strength Training

Strength training helps maintain muscle mass and bone density. Use light weights, resistance bands, or even household items like water bottles for exercises like bicep curls, leg lifts, and seated rows.

Stay Hydrated

Keep water nearby and drink regularly before, during, and after exercise. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when engaging in physical activity.

Use a Chair for Support

Many exercises can be modified to be done with the support of a chair. Chair exercises like seated leg lifts, seated marches, and chair yoga can provide a safe and effective workout.

Include Flexibility and Stretching Exercises

Flexibility exercises help maintain joint range of motion and reduce stiffness. Gentle stretching, yoga, or tai chi can improve flexibility and relaxation.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting achievable goals can help maintain motivation and track progress. Goals can be as simple as exercising for a certain number of minutes each day or completing a specific number of repetitions.

Make Exercise Enjoyable

There are a lot of things that can make exercise more fun for your mom or dad. Having an elder care provider work out with them, joining an online exercise group, trying different types of stretching workouts, and turning on music during exercise can all make exercise fun for your senior parent.

**If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Thomasville PA, please get in touch with us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-Home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.**

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.