Physical activity is often included in dementia care treatments. Along boosting physical health and reducing the risk of back pain and muscle soreness, regular exercise can also help improve mental and cognitive function in seniors. If you’re interested in learning some simple exercises that can help your loved one improve their fitness, consult with their doctor and find some ideas below.

What Are Some Exercises Suited to People With Dementia?

1. Seated Workouts

Many seniors experience mobility limitations, which can make exercising difficult. That’s why dementia care specialists recommend seated exercises, which enable your loved one to safely partake in an activity. Have a senior take a seat and march, which builds strength in the lower body, or try arm circles or raises for an upper body workout.

2. Gardening

Gardening offers moderate physical activity in the outdoors, which gives seniors a mood-boosting dose of sunlight and fresh air. It also provides a sense of accomplishment, since your loved one will be able to enjoy the fruits of their hard work in the harvesting season. Help them grow easily-established plants, such as radishes, pumpkins, potatoes, and carrots.

3. Balance Exercises

If your loved one often falls or has coordination issues, help them improve their balance by making them stand with the assistance of a surface. For example, bring your loved one to the kitchen and have them repeatedly sit and stand up from a chair using the dining table for support. To prevent exhaustion, repeat only short sets of five and let them take long breaks.

As trusted providers of dementia care in Columbia Falls, MT, BeeHive Homes of Columbia Falls knows how important physical activity is for a healthy and happy life. This assisted living facility goes above and beyond for its residents, providing ample amenities and individual and group activities with a focus on building physical and mental strength. Your loved one can also look forward to private rooms, 24-hour monitoring, and an extensive menu of nutritious foods. Visit them online to tour their facilities, or call (406) 270-0513 to learn more about their dementia care practices.