A healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and fitness is highly emphasized in today’s society.
The National Institute on Aging released startling statistics after a physical health study performed on elderly aged 75 and older. The study revealed that 40 percent of those studied could not walk two blocks.
“There are some common misconceptions about physical activity and seniors that need to be addressed,” said Dmitry Sherman, C.E.O. of Dependable Senior Assistants LLC. “I’ve heard it all – frail adults are unable to exercise, or it’s not wise or safe to start an exercise program, or that there are no benefits that the frail elderly can gain from fitness. While it is always important to consult a physician before starting a new exercise regimen, the truth is that debilitation can oftentimes be minimized with regular exercise.”
Besides the obvious benefit of increasing muscular strength and endurance, fitness can effectively produce many physiological benefits.
Exercise can help to prevent falls and fractured hips. Exercise also can fight the effects of brittle bones from osteoporosis.
Exercise encourages a healthy digestive system. Healthier eating habits lead to alleviation of digestive and bowel function issues common among the elderly.
Susceptibility to illness greatly increases with age; thus, a particularly important benefit of exercise for the frail elderly is an increased ability to fight off illness.
In addition to its physiological benefits, there are also many psychological benefits of exercise for the elderly. It produces an increased sense of independence.
There is also evidence that exercise produces an enhancement of cognitive abilities. Improving circulation, enhancing mental alertness.
To receive these numerous benefits of exercise for the frail elderly, it does not take a large time commitment. Exercise routine can be as short as six minutes, repeated throughout the day.
An exceptional home care agency provides caregivers who understand how to work gently with seniors to encourage activities that help regain strength. Dependable Senior Assistants, LLC. also offers resources to improve fitness and examples of simple exercises that improve strength and flexibility. For more information about encouraging exercise and activity for the elderly in our local community, please contact Dependable Senior Assistants LLC. at 661-886-9358.