As our population ages, it is becoming more and more important to maintain the health of the elderly. One way that this can be done is by keeping their muscles active through exercises. Old age tends to bring about a lack of mobility in both arms and legs which means that staying fit becomes increasingly difficult without some help. This blog post will discuss how you can keep your loved ones healthy with exercise!
Muscles deteriorate if they're inactive, but research shows that exercise has a protective effect against this deterioration. Moving muscles around stimulates the production of new protein strands, which can help buffer it from damage. Muscle contractions also cause the release of chemicals like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which keep muscle tissue strong and healthy. It is true that muscles deteriorate faster than most other tissues in the body when we don't use them. This might even be an evolutionary response to our now-sedentary lifestyle.
Exercises for Seniors to Keep Fit and Mobile
Squats are an excellent exercise for seniors to get their legs in shape. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend the knees slightly, like you're about to sit down. Keep your chest out and back straight as you lower yourself toward the ground (don't go all the way down) then rise again slowly while squeezing the buttocks. Don't worry about speed or quantity; instead, concentrate on good form and doing 10 to 20 repetitions until you feel some tension in your body.
Another great idea is simply going for a walk or working in the garden. Gardening can be great exercise for seniors, as it uses both the upper and lower body and it's not too strenuous overall. Besides, it's always good to get outside, so if gardening relaxes you, go for it. Gardening can also help with mental health, but most people need a strong balance of both physical and mental exercise to stay fit and be healthy. With that said, I'm still not convinced lawn mowings aren't just really lame cardio workouts anyone could do sitting on the couch with their very own beer. It's said that lawn mowing for thirty minutes is equivalent to running 3 miles.
If you're like me and love to go beyond what's expected, and don't want the hassle of traveling, then maybe you should consider getting a swim spa. Swim spas offer the physical space for full body movement and resistance training. In addition, swim spas have a hydrotherapy feature that can help with mobility and stress relief. They are not only great for the body but also provide peace of mind as you watch your family enjoy their time in the pool! The powerful jets from a swim spa enable you to swim just like in a swimming pool, except you stay in the same location. Plus time flies when you're relaxed and having fun which is another benefit to owning a swim spa.
