Many people suffer from mobility issues in their golden years. Mobility issues can result from illness, disability, or chronic pain. Sometimes, lack of exercise and mobility can result in a decline in muscle mass and bone mass, causing people to suffer from health issues. Thus, it can become a vicious cycle. It is important to put in place measures to improve mobility so your loved ones can maintain their health. Here are some ways for your loved ones to stay mobile.
Light Activities
The idea of starting a high-intensity exercise can seem both impossible and off-putting. If your loved ones suffer from reduced mobility, it might be better to encourage them to engage in light activities or move a little more about the house. For example, you can encourage them to take part in cooking a meal or other light household tasks.
It is important to start slow and provide encouragement if your loved ones are resistant to exercise. You can encourage them to take walks in the garden so they can stretch their muscles. It will also help them to get some fresh air and much-needed vitamin D. If you have a professional caretaker at home, make sure to include them in your plan so they can help to guide your loved ones when you’re not around.
Swimming and Therapy Pools
If your loved ones can swim, you can take them to a warm swimming pool for them to exercise. The warm water will also help in easing their aching joints. Since water reduces our weight when we’re submerged, it will help to make your loved ones’ movement easier so they can move their muscles without pain.
However, if your loved ones have mobility issues, swimming might not be possible. A therapy pool might be a better fit for them to soak and relax in. Make sure to contact their GP to check if this is possible for their current mobility status.
Yoga
Yoga is a suitable activity for less mobile people. Yoga involves gentle stretching and breathing. Additionally, yoga is versatile and can be done even in a seated position. Due to how relaxing it is, yoga is popular with older adults. To make it more enjoyable, you can play your loved ones’ favorite music while they exercise. This will motivate them and improve their mood. You can find some YouTube videos online and engage in these activities with your loved ones.
Remember that older adults have a higher risk of falling, especially if they have not been regularly exercising before. Inactivity can weaken your loved ones’ bones and muscles, causing their coordination and balance to get worse. Make sure to have a yoga mat ready and be beside them when they’re trying new moves so you can catch them if they fall.
Enjoy Better Health at Discovery Village At The Forum
At Discovery Village At The Forum, we offer regular fitness classes and activities for our residents. Our professional chefs will also provide nutritious food to ensure our residents’ continued health. To find out more about our resort-style senior living community and how they can help your loved ones live a better quality of life, contact us today!
