Being active—both socially and physically—is crucial to quality senior care. With the care that’s being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, your senior loved one may be struggling to find safe, acceptable ways to stay active. The following is a guide outlining the importance of activity and what your loved one can do during the pandemic.

Why Staying Active Is Crucial to Senior Care

Staying physically active—even if it’s just through short walks or light exercise—has multiple benefits in senior care. It improves cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems, effectively lowering mortality risk and reducing chances of heart disease. The strengthened musculoskeletal system also means better balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. The improved circulation and overall health benefits associated with exercise can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, minimize arthritis symptoms, and improve mental health due to the mood-elevating and -regulating hormones released during exercise. Exercise also improves cognitive health, making it essential for dementia care patients.

Social interactions and activities have similar benefits for seniors. Like physical exercise, social connections can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and arthritis. Social activity may also lead to enhanced cognitive function and reduce the need for dementia care. Their mental health will benefit, too, as social connections will stave off loneliness and isolation, which can increase mortality risk.

How Seniors Can Stay Active During COVID-19

With the ongoing pandemic, no activities should involve groups or close contact with others, but it doesn’t mean your loved one can’t enjoy their favorite hobbies. Get them a tablet or laptop and ensure they have a reliable internet connection. This way, they can follow online instructional videos for light workouts, cooking classes, or a new skill they want to learn. They can research topics they’re interested in, stay connected with family and friends on social media, or use it to watch videos about places they’ve always wanted to go. It also allows you to call or video chat with them regularly. You can talk to them while they go about their day, or you can do tasks together, like working out, cooking dinner, yoga, dancing, or painting. They can go for short walks around their neighborhood or senior assisted living facility, too, as long as they maintain the appropriate distance from others.

If you need assistance with your loved one’s senior care, BeeHive Homes of Columbia Falls in Flathead County, MT, will help. Since 2008, they’ve offered a home-like senior assisted living community where no resident is overlooked. They have staff available 24/7, provide housekeeping and laundry services, and prioritize comprehensive activity and engagement in safe environments. Learn more about their services online, and call (406) 270-0513 to check availability.