Exercise can benefit people to form a healthy lifestyle at all ages. Although, as you age, your physical activity and diet requirements change. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle for older adults can be a positive influence on maintaining and recovering health.
Older adults have a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions. This is the perfect reason to get your grandmother out of the house for any type of exercise rather than spending your time looking for cheap term life insurance.
Here are reasons why you need to work out with your grandma and activities you can do together.ย
Benefits of Senior Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of everyone’s everyday health. Seniors should be as active as possible so they can live longer and healthier lives. Here are some key benefits of exercise for older adults.
Prevents Bone Loss
Bone density is lost in both men and women as they age. Specifically, in post-menopausal women, you can lose up to 2% of your bone density each year. Strength training has been shown to prevent loss and restore bone density. Having stronger bones leads to fewer fractures and helps balance as well. By grabbing the weights with your grandma, you can help reduce her risk of falls and injuries so she can live a longer, independent life.
Boosts Immunity
A study conducted in 2018 shows that moderate exercise was linked to a lower incidence of acute respiratory illness and fewer sick days. The exact way exercise supports immunity is not known, but many theories exist. Some believe that exercise may improve the performance of immune cells or that anti-inflammatory effects cause better immune function.
Help Prevent Chronic Disease
Diseases like colon cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease become concerns as you age. Exercise can provide a way to protect older adults from these illnesses. If your grandmother already has one of these conditions, it can help minimize the symptoms they experiences. Even 30 minutes of exercise daily can make a difference.
Improves Mood
Exercising with your grandmother can improve both your moods. It is a healthy activity to do while spending quality time with each other. Getting your body moving makes you feel good and promotes fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Creating an overall sense of well-being is essential for older adults as exercise’s relaxation and mind-boosting benefits are vital.
Best Activities to do With Your Grandma
Doing moderate-intensity exercise for 150 minutes every week is just enough to fulfill the exercise needs of your loved one. You may be wondering what activities you can do together. Here are some suggestions for what physical activities you can do together.
Walking
Regular walking is a simple but effective way to get into physical activity. People of all ages can do it with no side effects and it is a mildly stressful form of exercise. It can be challenging for those with complications due to musculoskeletal medications.
Walking can strengthen muscle groups and reduce diabetes, risk of heart disease, stroke and more. This time can be utilized to chat with your grandma and learn more about their physical and mental health. Either way, short walks in their daily routine are practical for her health.
Swimming
Swimming is an excellent option for older adults since it is gentle on the joints. Since it is non-weight bearing, grandparents with joint pain or discomfort can enjoy this low-impact workout without knee, hip or back strain. It is also great for heart health, making it stronger while lowering blood pressure. Swimming can also improve mood, stress levels and brain function, which are great reasons to head for the pool.
Resistance Band Training
Using resistance bands instead of weights could be beneficial. They can affect the body’s various muscle groups without risking limits being pushed by using things like barbells and dumbbells. Resistance bands are great since they can be used in and outside the home. They are safe and can help achieve maximum results for the body and mind.
Exercise Classes
You can find exercise classes that both you and your grandma can attend. Things like mild yoga or instructed swimming classes are great options. You and your grandma could pair up and enjoy a workout class together. This is also an opportunity to make friends and connect with others from different circles.
Exercises Not Suitable for Elderly People
It is important to remember there is an age difference between the two of you. Some forms of exercise may be dangerous. These are some physical activities to avoid when your grandmother reaches a certain age.
- Bench press
- Leg press
- Long-distance running
- Deadlift
- Power clean
- High-intensity training
The Bottom Line
Consistency is vital for anyone doing physical activity and is better than looking for cheap term life insurance. Getting your grandmother involved with exercise is a great way to make sure she is healthy and doing things that promote the healthy lifestyle she needs.ย
