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Health & Fitness

Happy Senior Health and Fitness Day!

May 25th is Senior Health and Fitness Day. Here are some tips to getting started on an exercise program specifically for elders and those with disabilities.

Happy Senior Health and Fitness Day!  I want all elders to stay healthy and have more energy so get out and get moving.  Exercise is the key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy as you get older. It can help you manage the symptoms of illness and pain and maintain your independence.  And not only is exercise good for your body—it’s good for your mind, mood, and memory.  Regular physical activity lowers your risk for a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity.

The first thing we want you to do is to talk to your physician.  Get medical clearance and find out if there are any exercises you should avoid.  After you get medical clearance, be sure to include a variety of activities to improve your overall health and reduce monotony.  We want you to understand that exercise is not about going to a gym or working out on exercise equipment.  It is about adding more movement and activity to your life, even in small ways.  Even if you are chair-bound, you can still exercise with small weights, stretches, and even chair aerobics. 

The first exercises you will want to include are cardio exercises such as walking, stair climbing, dancing, or swimming.  Second, you will want to build up your strength with activities like opening jars, lifting light objects, or even getting in and out of a chair or car.  Third, you will want to work on your flexibility with activities such as tying shoes, shampooing your hair, and playing with grandchildren.  Finally, you will want to work on posture-building exercises, such as yoga.  Of course, we do not want you to push yourself.  Only do the exercises that you feel comfortable doing.  These are just examples!

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Walking is always a good start to an exercise program because it requires no special equipment and can be done anywhere.  Just be sure to have a pair of comfortable shoes!  If you are able to get out, consider looking for a senior fitness class.  These are great ways to stay in shape and make some friends too!  Also remember that water aerobics and water sports are great exercises for seniors because water reduces stress and strain on the body's joints.  Whether you sit in a chair and stretch or get out to a senior sports or fitness class, Right at Home of St Charles cares about you and your needs and want you to stay healthy.

If you need some help with an exercise routine, Right at Home caregivers can help you out.  Whether you have specific needs determined by a physician or you just want to get some exercise into your everyday life, we can help.  Contact us using the “contact us” button above or call us at 636.379.9955 for more information about how Right at Home of St. Charles can help you.

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