Yoga is a relaxing pastime with several health benefits. Although you should always check with your senior loved one’s physician prior to embarking on a new exercise regimen, yoga is considered a safe, low-impact way to exercise. Here are five ways yoga boosts elderly health.
1. Releases Endorphins
Elderly people sometimes display symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sadness, which may include crying, isolation, diminished appetite, lack of interest in surroundings, and physical symptoms such as increased pain. Yoga can release certain chemicals in the brain known as endorphins, which enhance feelings of happiness and wellbeing and reduce sensations of pain. Yoga and other forms of low-impact exercise can be integral parts of a therapeutic care plan for seniors with depression and anxiety.
Doing yoga is one of the many ways seniors can boost their overall wellbeing. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust elderly home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
2. Enhances Range of Motion
If your loved one has a degenerative condition of the spine or osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoporosis, regular yoga sessions can increase his or her range of motion while relieving pain. Yoga can also increase strength so seniors can perform the activities of daily living with more ease and confidence.
A professional caregiver can encourage your loved one to try yoga so he or she can stay active for longer. In Clearwater, at-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
3. Stimulates Appetite
Mild forms of exercise such as yoga can also have a positive effect on appetite in seniors who have difficulty eating. If your loved one isn’t meeting his or her nutritional goals, yoga may enhance the hunger sensation. While you should always discuss your loved one’s poor eating habits with his or her doctor, implementing a few minutes of yoga each day may stimulate the appetite. Poor appetite is sometimes related to depression, which can also be alleviated with yoga.
4. Reduces Morning Stiffness
Arthritis and other degenerative bone and joint conditions can lead to severe morning stiffness and pain. A few minutes of stretching and yoga can quickly increase range of motion while preventing weakness. If your loved one has difficulty getting out of bed in the morning because of bone or joint pain, engaging in a few yoga poses while still in bed may help him or her feel better when trying to get up.
5. Boosts Circulation
As people age, their circulation may diminish, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, an irregular heartbeat, and issues with their skin and hair. Yoga can increase blood circulation, which may also promote wound healing in seniors diagnosed with diabetes and subsequent foot ulcers. If your loved one exhibits symptoms of poor circulation, such as cold feet and hands, let his or her doctor know. Yoga, in conjunction with appropriate nutritional intervention, can increase circulation and promote optimal blood flow.
Doing yoga and other types of exercise can also help seniors maintain their independence. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Clearwater, FL, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862.