Engaging in a routine exercise schedule is not easy at any age. Exercising is strenuous. We don’t want to devote the time. We’re feeling the pain from yesterday’s exercises. We’ve all made excuses like these for not staying physically active; but frailty and advanced age make it even more difficult to adhere to an exercise regimen and maintain senior fitness.
Compassionate Care Home Health Services, a leading provider of home health care in Saginaw, MI, and the nearby area, wants to help older adults continue to remain physically active with strategies to overcome the following typical senior fitness hurdles:
- Self-confidence: It’s common for older adults to feel some measure of stress with the concept of achieving exercise goals. It can be beneficial to start slowly with exercises that are easy to accomplish and progress little by little; and, motivate the senior with consistent encouragement.
- Attitude: Attitude is critical when it comes to physical exercise. If approached negatively, it will be much harder to stick to an effective exercise routine. Choose activities that will be enjoyable and that the older adult will look forward to.
- Pain: The saying, “No pain, no gain” actually isn’t true. Seniors should avoid overdoing it, and cut back the intensity level if experiencing pain or discomfort.
- Disabilities: Seniors with physical or cognitive constraints can and should stay physically active in accordance with their ability level. Inquire with the physician for a referral to a personal trainer or physical therapist who can plan a program of specialized exercises.
- Fear of Injury/Balance Problems: There are a wide variety of adaptive devices to provide for safe, effective exercising while still improving senior fitness.
- Financial Concerns: It does not have to cost a lot of money to be fit! Walking and other basic exercises in and around the home, making use of typical household objects, can be integrated into an exercise plan at little to no cost.
- Illness or Fatigue: Exercises can be tailored to match the senior’s energy level, and he or she may slowly increase the endurance level in time.
Bear in mind that the trick to ongoing positive results with an exercise regimen is to see that the older adult feels comfortable and safe with the plan and the exercises. If pain is noted in muscles or joints the day after exercising, a reduced intensity can be put in place; and check with the doctor if the pain or discomfort continues.
Compassionate Care Home Health Service is a top-rated provider of home health care in Saginaw, MI, and the surrounding areas. Our caregivers will work with your loved one’s health care provider to establish a safe exercise plan in line with his or her abilities to enhance strength, independence, and overall quality of life. Contact us at 877.308.1212 to learn more about the rewards of daily exercise in improving senior fitness and to find out more about how our in-home care services can help! We want to show your family how we provide the kind of care families can rely on. To learn more about the different areas we serve in Michigan, please visit our Locations page.