Stepping into a routine exercise program is daunting at any age. Exercising is tiring. We don’t want to spend the time. We’re feeling sore from yesterday’s workout. We have all made excuses like these for not exercising; but frailty and advanced age make it even harder to stick to an exercise regimen.
Live Well at Home in Sacramento, CA encourages senior fitness programs to help seniors stay active and healthy. The following suggestions can help older adults overcome common fitness barriers:
- Self-confidence: It’s normal for older adults to feel overwhelmed with the idea of meeting exercise goals. It can help to begin slowly with exercises that can be achieved and advance slowly; and, motivate the senior with regular support.
- Attitude: When it comes to physical fitness, attitude is everything. If approached negatively, it will likely be much harder to keep up an effective exercise regimen. Choose activities that’ll be enjoyable and that the senior will look forward to.
- Pain: The saying, “No pain, no gain” simply isn’t true. Older adults should avoid overdoing it, and cut back on the level of intensity if experiencing pain or discomfort.
- Disabilities: Seniors with physical or cognitive limitations can and should remain active within their ability level. Seek the advice of the physician for a referral to a personal trainer or physical therapist who can put together a program of specialized exercises.
- Fear of Injury/Balance Problems: You will find a number of assistive devices to allow for safe, effective exercising.
- Financial Concerns: It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to stay fit! Walking and other simple exercises in and around the house, using ordinary household items, can be incorporated into an exercise program at little to no expense.
- Illness or Fatigue: Workouts could be tailor-made to match the senior’s energy level, and he or she may gradually increase endurance level with time.
Keep in mind that the key to ongoing success with a senior fitness program is to ensure the older adult feels comfortable and safe with the plan and the exercises. If soreness is noted in muscles or bones the next day after exercising, a lesser intensity can be implemented; and check with the doctor if the pain or discomfort persists.
Live Well at Home’s dedicated Sacramento area caregivers are happy to work with your loved one’s physician to develop a safe senior fitness program in accordance with his or her abilities to increase strength, independence, and overall quality of life. Call our senior in home care experts at 916-459-3220 for more information about the advantages of daily exercise for older adults and to find out more about how our in-home care services can help!