Elderly Care Fun: Taking a Water Aerobics Class Together

Elderly Care in Norwood, MA

You know that making sure your parents get enough physical activity is an important part of your elderly care efforts for them, but doing the same things over and over again can get tedious and reduce the chances that they will actually stick to their exercise routine. Ensuring that your elderly loved ones have fun while they exercise may increase the chances that they will continue with their physical activity. They may also enjoy a mental and emotional boost as they have fun and get the sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing their workouts and seeing the effects of their efforts. Doing their physical activity with them furthers the fun and enjoyment of the exercise, turning it into an experience that is as good for your relationship and your emotional health as it is for your bodies.

Water aerobics are becoming increasingly popular among all age groups, but they continue to be one of the best exercise options for seniors. Exercising in the water provides buoyancy that cuts the amount of weight and pressure you feel on your body by half, dramatically reduces the impact on your joints, and offers consistent resistance that challenges your body in every movement that you make. Being in the water is also cooling and soothing, making it pleasant for those who do not like the feeling of getting hot and sweaty when they are exercising.

Use these tips to enjoy a water aerobics class with your seniors, or if you are not going to take the class with them, to help your seniors enjoy this type of exercise under the supervision of their non-medical caregiver:

• Choose the right swimsuit. Your seniors are not going to get the most out of their exercise if they do not feel comfortable in their swimming apparel. Check with the community center or organization to determine if there are any restrictions or guidelines for the bathing suits that people wear to the classes and then look for a suit that makes your parents feel comfortable and gives them proper range of motion.
• Try different classes. Water aerobics are not a one-size-fits-all type of exercise. There are many different types of water-based exercise classes, including standard aerobics, Zumba, kickboxing, dance, and water jogging. Find out if you can sit in and watch or even try a few different classes so that you can find the one that is most appealing to you and your seniors.
• Do not overdo it. Because the water is cool and the movements do not feel as strenuous as they would on dry land, it is easy to feel like you are not working as hard as you really are and to push yourself too hard when you are first getting started with your exercise. Take caution not to overdo it when working out in the pool as this could lead to injury, exhaustion, and soreness. Remember to work until you feel challenged, and then slow down so that you protect your body and avoid damage.

Source
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/water-exercise-seniors
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/health_benefits_water_exercise.html
http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/water-aerobics-guide-6501.html