As a caregiver, tending to the daily needs of an elderly loved one isn’t the only priority. You should also ensure that they are happy, healthy, and safe during their twilight years. To avoid a drop in physical and mental well-being that comes with a lack of activity, below are a few ways for them stay healthy.  

How to Keep Seniors Active

1. Start Swimming

As people age, their muscles lose mass, strength, and flexibility. This can make walking up a flight of stairs and performing other simple actions physically draining for seniors. However, swimming is a highly beneficial activity to reverse these issues, as it has a low-impact and targets many muscle groups.

While swimming laps, seniors must use their arms, legs, and hips to glide through the water. This boosts their stamina so that they won’t get tired as easily while moving around. The steady breathing helps the body take in more oxygen to build endurance. In addition to swimming, seniors should consider water aerobics. Moving in the water is easier on older muscles and joints. 

2. Take a Dance Class

Because muscle strength and bone density decline with age, many elderly individuals experience mobility and balance problems. This can lead to slip-and-fall accidents and serious injuries. However, while practicing routines in a dance class, your loved one will strengthen their core and leg muscles and increase joint flexibility.

This improves balance, posture, and coordination. As a caregiver, you won’t have to worry about your loved one falling down as much. Socializing with other students in a group class will provide mental stimulation to improve their mood and combat stress. 

3. Try Yoga

Yoga is a low-impact exercise that will help loosen stiff joints. Practicing the different poses also builds muscle definition and improves spatial awareness to help seniors balance. To avoid injuries, they should seek out professional instruction. Yoga studios that offer classes for seniors typically leave informational packets in retirement communities, senior centers, gyms, and doctors’ offices.

During beginner classes, students also learn to focus on meditation and breathing, which will keep the mind alert. To begin meditating, a person must focus on moving their chest in and out with each breath. From there, they concentrate on peaceful, calming thoughts. 

Being a caregiver for a loved one is a full-time job. To prevent burnout from this, contact Susta's Health Solutions LLC in St. Louis, MO, for help. Since 2015, the agency has been providing in-home care services for clients throughout Missouri. The caregivers will perform household chores, provide medication reminders, help with personal hygiene, prepare meals, and serve as a friendly companion. Visit the home health care agency online for service information. Call (314) 833-5940 for details. Keep up with announcements and news on Facebook.