Physical activity is a cornerstone of good health. For those in senior living care, however, keeping active can be a challenge, especially if they’re suffering from health issues such as osteoporosis, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and other age-related conditions. While asking them to do strenuous exercises is out of the question, there are simple activities they can perform to help them avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

3 Ways Seniors With Limited Mobility Can Keep Fit

1. Chair Exercises  

Chair exercises are a great way for people in senior living care to keep active without having to force themselves to stand up if they find it difficult to do so. Simple exercises such as overarm raises, knee lifts, and calf raises can help strengthen various muscle groups and increase endurance. Just ensure that the chair is sturdy to avoid the risk of accidents during the workout.

2. Stretching

Flexibility is crucial for older adults who would like to improve their range of motion and freedom to move. For those with limited mobility, flexibility can be improved through daily stretching exercises. Some of the simple ones for seniors include neck side stretch, shoulder stretch, backstretch, and ankle circles. Before doing these exercises, it’s best to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes by walking in place and circling the arms to prepare the joints for activity. 

3. Yoga

Slow and gentle yoga is ideal for people in senior living care who may not only be looking for an exercise option but also are seeking an activity for relaxation. Through simple poses and stretches, this exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve balance and flexibility, and help regulate sleep. When practicing yoga, it’s ideal for seniors to have an instructor or someone to guide them through the moves to reduce the risk of injury.

If you’re looking for a senior living facility that offers a multi-faceted approach to elderly care, check out Mt. Washington Care Center. Providing care for over 30 years now, they offer nursing care, rehabilitation, restorative care, respite care, and other related services. This care center is a Medicare and Medicaid participating facility, and they are also a preferred provider for many private-pay insurance plans and HMOs. They also offer 24/7 expert care to ease their clients’ stay. Call (513) 231-4561 or visit their website for more information.