Seniors who are experiencing discomfort from arthritis but want a natural alternative to pain medication can try some simple exercises. Here are a few exercises that can relieve your elderly loved one’s arthritis symptoms.
Yoga
The gentle movements and stretching involved in yoga boost strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility, all of which can relieve arthritis pain. Yoga also emphasizes relaxation, which can support immune health and relieve joint inflammation.
If your aging loved one needs help performing exercises, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Walking
Walking 10 to 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week, builds bone strength and supports greater range of motion in the hips and knees. A moderately intense walk is also an excellent aerobic exercise that can benefit your family member’s cardiovascular health.
Many seniors find walking even more enjoyable with a companion. For families living in Columbia, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Water Aerobics
Water exercises can be a good option for seniors with joint pain. The resistance of the water provides a workout, while the buoyancy eases the pressure on sensitive joints. Many gyms and health clubs offer water aerobics classes specially designed for seniors and individuals with arthritis.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a Chinese martial art involving slow, gentle movements. Since it’s a low-impact form of exercise, tai chi is ideal for seniors with arthritis. Tai chi also builds core strength and enhances balance, which can prevent falls.
Zumba
This popular exercise is based on Latin American dances, and it provides the cardiovascular benefits of aerobic exercise without jarring the joints. Most of the Zumba movements emphasize fluidity, which can increase range of motion and joint function.
Gardening
Not only does gardening burn calories, but it also requires exercising the joints in the hands, wrists, hips, and knees, which can increase flexibility. Gardening also boosts endorphin levels, which can reduce arthritis pain.
Living with arthritis can be challenging. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Columbia Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call today.