Physical activity is an important element of treating arthritis symptoms. Many seniors don’t participate in enough physical activity, but encouraging those with arthritis to incorporate exercise into their daily schedules can offer relief from symptoms of the condition. Here are some simple activities for battling arthritis symptoms.
1. Stretching
Regular stretching routines can help seniors maintain range of motion and combat arthritis-related pain. Stretching shouldn’t be done to the point of discomfort. Instead, it should be aimed at sustaining or gently expanding your loved one’s current degree of flexibility.
Arthritis is just one of the many health issues older adults are susceptible to. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
2. Yoga
Although yoga includes some aspects of stretching, the discipline has additional wellness components many older people with arthritis can benefit from. Yoga can promote an overall sense of wellbeing, boost muscle growth, and make increasing flexibility a more enjoyable and social experience when getting involved in yoga meet-ups.
3. Tai Chi
A step up from yoga in terms of aerobic activity, tai chi also incorporates strength and flexibility exercises. Senior men who may be reluctant to participate in yoga might consider tai chi because it was originally a form of martial arts. For those with arthritis in the feet or ankles, tai chi can help with balance issues and increase strength when participating in load-bearing activities.
Seniors with arthritis often need help exercising. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Clearwater respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
4. Walking
Walking is considered an important part of any complete senior fitness program. Stretching first is a good idea to warm muscles and joints, and a gently paced walk can be quite easy on the body, even for those with arthritis. Walking is a load-bearing, low-impact exercise, meaning it can strengthen muscles without harming the joints. Plus, walking requires no special equipment other than a comfortable pair of shoes.
Arthritis can negatively impact a senior’s health, wellbeing, and ability to live at home independently. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. Clearwater families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862 to learn more about our customized care plans.