The practice of physical activities is essential not only for younger people, but it is also essential for older people. She helps to live well for longer without suffering from illness, staying active with more energy and the organism functioning properly.
Seniors who don't want to go to the gym can exercise at home, as there are a series of very practical activities and others that can be adapted to any space you have. Next, find out which are the best exercises for seniors at home.
How to practice exercises in old age?
For many, practicing exercises in old age seems impossible, but in fact the body needs to adapt to this new reality. If we don't move it, it will seem increasingly difficult, suffering from pain and without physical conditioning.
To practice exercises in old age, you must first of all do a complete review and be aware of how your health is going. You should also follow all medical advice, asking for activity recommendations that are right for your needs.
With all exams up to date and monitoring by health professionals, it can be much easier to exercise in old age. You can do it in the comfort of your home and with a very comfortable outfit.
Exercise benefits for seniors
Exercises for the elderly can be extremely beneficial and ensure an excellent quality of life, impacting your routine and also in the long term. Physical activities contribute to the proper functioning of the body, in addition to helping to reduce all the damage that arises over time.
This means that exercises for seniors can help themselves:
All physical capabilities are improved, ensuring a better quality of life and longer health. The elderly tend to suffer a lot in relation to their independence and autonomy and the practice of exercises helps them to recover this.
With physical activity in your routine, all other activities will be simpler and improved. In addition, the more the elderly take care of their health, the lower the chances of developing a chronic disease.
In general, the benefits of exercise for seniors are:
- improved mobility and balance,
- increased autonomy and independence,
- improved physical conditioning,
- increase in disposition,
- weight control,
- joint preservation,
- decrease in stress and anxiety,
- better sleep quality,
- pain relief and much more. .
Care in the practice of exercises in the elderly
At all ages, it is necessary to be careful when practicing physical exercises, but this is even more important in the elderly.
It is essential that the elderly receive medical follow-up and guidance from a professional in the area to define which exercises will be performed and all care.
Before starting to practice exercises at home, the elderly should consult a geriatrician and do all the routine exams to make sure that everything is fine and to know what their restrictions are.
Other precautions are also important, such as:
- wear light and comfortable clothes,
- drink water often,
- start slowly and gradually increase the frequency and intensity of activities,
- wait at least 2 hours after meals to exercise,
- Familiarize yourself with the place where the exercise will be performed to avoid possible falls, among others.
Exercises adapted for seniors
Exercises for the elderly must be adapted to the reality of each one, respecting their illnesses, their physical limitations and all other restrictions.
As a result, it is important to be accompanied by someone from the health area, as this professional will assess these situations and adapt the exercises so that they can be performed without any problems.
The vast majority of exercises indicated for the elderly can be performed normally, but others require adaptation that can only be done by a professional.
How can seniors exercise at home?
To practice the exercises at home, the elderly must find a suitable place, preferably one that is airy, with good lighting and with enough space to carry out all the movements.
Check if the place has furniture and other objects that may pose a risk to the elderly, moving them if necessary or adapting them to the environment.
Exercises at home can be performed with the help of chairs, tables, mats, pilates balls and various other equipment.
Best exercises for seniors at home
There are some types of exercises for seniors that are most recommended. For example, dancing is a practice that is highly recommended for people over 60 and can be done with the professional you hire to accompany you.
Dancing helps to work different muscle groups and brings benefits mainly related to motor coordination and muscle balance. It is also a way to increase the self-esteem of the elderly, which can be harmed at this stage of life.
Stretching also encompasses many exercises that can be ideal for older people. These exercises, which are simpler and more practical, contribute to functional capacity and improve quality of life.
Another exercise that is very suitable for the elderly and that can be done at home is pilates, as all the equipment for the practice can be purchased and a small space is enough to perform the exercises.
Many elderly people already practice pilates, as the practice helps to move different muscles of the body. With it, the musculature will be strengthened and there is also increased flexibility.
Tips for seniors to start exercising at home
Seniors can follow some tips to start exercising at home. The first is to consult a doctor and, after having everything up to date, look for a professional in the area to define which exercises will be performed.
Another tip is to follow YouTube channels or even follow some teachers on social networks, as they are always offering classes and explaining the correct way to perform a certain movement or exercise.
What is the best time to exercise at home?
Each one can do the physical activity whenever they prefer, but it is essential to respect a period of at least 2 hours after a meal to start the practice. Some may prefer to exercise first thing in the morning and others later in the day.
Ideally, they should eat, wait the indicated time and then exercise. It could even be in the morning, between breakfast and lunch.
Suitable places for elderly exercise at home
Everything will depend on the size of your house and the pieces it has, but the most suitable place is the one that is free of furniture and obstacles that can get in the way and prevent you from carrying out the movements correctly.
Look for the porch or backyard of the house, for example, and if you live in an apartment, move the furniture away from the living room or bedroom, ensuring enough space to exercise without getting hurt.