Especially for older people, endurance is an important part of general health and well-being. By keeping up their endurance, they can continue to live a busy and satisfying life. It makes daily chores easier and lowers the risk of getting health problems that come with getting older. In this blog, a number of ways that senior home care aides and loved ones can help seniors improve their endurance.
First Step: Talk With a Healthcare Professional
It is important for seniors to talk to their healthcare team before starting any endurance-building program. In particular, this is important for people who already have health problems or who haven’t been active in a long time. A medical professional can look at their general health and give them advice that is specific to their needs.
Patience Is Key
For older people, the best way to build stamina is to start slowly. It is very important to start with low-intensity exercises and slowly increase the length and volume of their workouts. They can build a strong base before moving on to more difficult sports by walking, swimming, or riding a bike. However, this slow path might be frustrating, which is where the support from senior home care aides and loved ones comes in. Encouraging seniors to be consistent and validating their feelings will help them continue to progress.
Introduce Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic workouts are great for improving endurance. Seniors can improve their heart health and stamina by doing things like dancing, brisk walking, or even low-impact aerobics lessons. They should aim for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise at a moderate level each week.
Add Strength Building
Strength training is just as important for seniors as aerobic exercise when it comes to cardiovascular health. Strengthening the muscles can help seniors stay active longer and avoid getting hurt. Simple exercises they can do with their own body or resistance bands can be very helpful. The senior home care team can monitor them, especially in the beginning, to ensure they’re using the right form.
Focus on Flexibility
It’s not enough to be physically strong and aerobically fit to have endurance. Seniors also need to work on their flexibility and balance. Yoga and tai chi are good activities that seniors can try. Plus, it’s easy to find a group class in the community or videos online that are targeted at seniors.
Encourage Breaks
When building endurance, seniors also need to get enough rest. This allows their bodies to heal in between workouts. Too much training can make them tired and hurt, so it’s important to encourage them to find a good mix.
Seniors need to pay close attention to how their bodies react to exercise. Any pain or soreness should be taken care of right away, as well as changes to the workout, so they can continue to improve. Increasing seniors’ stamina is a multifaceted process that includes exercise and awareness. Seniors can improve their overall health and endurance by following these tips and working closely with healthcare experts and the senior home care team. They can also continue to live an active and fulfilling life well into their golden years with consistent support.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering senior home care in La Crescenta, CA please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890