What Does Exercise Consist of for Your Elderly Loved One?

Elder Care in Framingham MA

When you think of exercise, it might be completely different from what your elderly loved one’s doctor is really recommending for her. For your loved one, especially if she’s never exercised much before, starting out slowly and with simple movements is best for her. Talk to her doctor about specific exercises that are best for her, or ask him if some of these are a good idea.

Gentle Stretches

Stretching helps to limber up and lubricate your loved one’s muscles and joints. Stretching is excellent for your loved one to do before bed, when she wakes up, and when she’s been sitting for a little while. As she stretches, your loved one should gently extend the limb she’s stretching and hold for a few seconds. Bouncing or stretching too far are more likely to cause injury and should be avoided.

Walking in Place

Walking is incredible exercise for anyone of any age, but it can be especially helpful for your loved one. The thing is, walking outside isn’t always a good idea. What you can do is walk with her inside, in place. It’s an easy way to get your loved one’s heart rate up a little bit and whenever she’s tired, she can rest right away.

Standing from a Seated Position

Some of the best exercises that you can try with your elderly loved one mimic activities that she already does every day. One that you can try with her involves standing up from a seated position in a chair. This allows your loved one to use all of the muscles that she needs when she’s standing up so that she can strengthen them. Have her stand from sitting several times in a row, resting as long as she needs to.

Light Weight Lifting

Your loved one’s doctor may recommend some light weight lifting if she’s up for it. This can help with arthritis and other health conditions and it improves her strength. Consider using weights that are one to two pounds in order to keep the weight as light as possible. Another option is to use resistance bands instead of weights.

A non-medical caregiver can help her to exercise, too. Let them know what her normal routine is and they can work it into her day.