Simple Ways Seniors Can Exercise in Their Homes

Exercise is a vital part of living a happy and fruitful life. However, it’s especially important for seniors who live alone or require home health care. Getting up and moving your body for even 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your overall mobility, strength, and confidence. To learn more about the importance of physical activity, and how to implement it in little ways as a senior, read on.

The Health Benefits of Exercise

Seniors over the age of 65 should be getting around 2.5 hours of exercise every week. Brisk walking outdoors for 30 minutes is ideal, as it exposes you to the sunny benefits of vitamin D, allows you to get some fresh air, and gets your heart pumping. However, if you or your loved one has a hard time leaving the house due to moderate to severe health issues, these next small exercises around the house will do just fine.

Proper Exercises

Below, you will find easy exercises that can be done around the home.

Sofa Leg Lifts

Sit down on a couch or sofa. Next, straighten your legs and bring them up towards the ceiling, with your toes pointed up. Then, bring them back down to the ground after a couple of seconds. This exercise, when performed routinely, should improve your core strength and stability.

Walking Up and Down the Stairs

If you live in a house with stairs, walk up and down the first few steps to get your daily dose of anaerobic exercise. Do this for two minutes, take a break, and continue for another two.

Chair Sits

For this next exercise, practice getting up from a chair in the kitchen or living room, walking around it, and sitting back down.

Weighted Exercise

Lastly, purchase some hand weights to add some resistance to your workout. These dumbbells are usually between one to two pounds, making this an easy way to incorporate resistance training without a gym membership. If you don’t have hand weights, you might be able to use household items like soup cans or other weighted containers. Perform bicep curls for your upper body.

When You Need Round-the-Clock Home Health Care

However, health encompasses a lot more than just exercise alone. After a certain age, you also have to consider your diet or your prescribed medication if you take any. Therefore, if you or a loved one is in need of home health care, contact us today to learn more about our home health care services for the senior in your life. There’s no shame in asking for help. Contact Alarys Home Care today.