Your senior may be well aware of the fact that she should be exercising, but that doesn’t mean that she’ll embrace a new exercise program just like that. She might still need some convincing.
It Can Help Her Manage Her Stress
Exercise can do a lot for your aging family member in terms of managing her stress levels and improving her moods. Growing older can be extremely stressful, especially if your elderly family member fears that she’s going to be a burden to you and other family members. Having an outlet to burn off some of that stress gives her tools that she needs to react in a healthy manner.
She Might Feel Less Anxious Overall
In addition to helping her manage her moods, some specific emotions such as anxiety get a real helping hand from exercise. Part of the reason could be because of the release of endorphins that exercise creates. Endorphins are chemicals that the body releases in order to help the body to feel better. They can act like a pain killer or a self-contained mood booster. In terms of anxiety, they can help to relieve anxiety that your senior feels, whether it’s generalized anxiety or situation specific.
She Can Manage Chronic Health Conditions
Most chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, can be prevented or at least have their progress slowed by engaging in a regular exercise program. Other health issues, such as arthritis, can be relieved by exercising on a regular basis. Talk with her doctor about what types and amounts of exercise are best for managing her existing health conditions.
Her Balance Can Improve
The act of exercising can significantly improve your elderly family member’s balance, which is essential for preventing falls. It might be a good idea to ensure that your senior has someone available at all times if her balance is not as good as it could be. Elderly care providers, for example, can help her to maneuver safely throughout the house. As she exercises more often, your elderly family member may find that her balance improves and she feels safer.
She Might Be Surprised How Much She Likes It
Ultimately, your elderly family member may have hated exercise for a long time without actually trying it. Once she starts exercising more regularly, she may be really surprised to find out how much she enjoys it. How she feels may be the biggest selling point of all.
Keep up with follow up appointments at your senior’s doctor so that he can make sure that she’s still okay to exercise. At different times she may need to modify her activities to match up with her current health, so it’s a good idea to have a list of possible activities available.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME ELDERLY CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.