By doing lighter activities for shorter bursts of time, seniors can maintain their joint health. From water exercises to making small lifestyle changes to finding other ways to be active, Sunny Days In-Home Care knows that there are plenty of options for seniors suffering from arthritis who are committed to staying active.
Water exercises for seniors with arthritis
Water-based exercise can help you stay active when you have arthritis. The buoyancy of water supports your body weight, allowing for reduced stress on the joints and less pain during exercise. At the same time, water offers 12 times more resistance than air, making walking or running in water a great way to build strength. Many community aquatic centers offer water exercises for seniors with arthritis, which often consist of walking, swimming, and strength training. Water activities also offer added benefits of improving cardiovascular fitness, balance, and range of motion while hot pools have been known to ease pain.
Making small changes while living with arthritis
Often, the key to staying active lies in your ability to make small alterations to daily activities. Running errands or visiting the doctor? If you can, challenge yourself to park at a farther distance than you normally would, getting a short walk in. When considering how to alleviate some of the pain of arthritis in seniors, small changes can improve quality of life. Simple activities like alternating motions in your hands while cleaning a counter can help loosen joints, as can bending at the knees, if you are able to do so. While it’s never advisable to overextend the body, light movements throughout the day can make a difference.
Make a game out of staying active
Other ways to stay active include yoga classes for seniors with arthritis, exploring a new hobby like gardening or painting, and even using gaming systems like Wii Sports games. Balance exercises also help improve physical health. Take advantage of your community’s activities and search out venues that offer exercise for seniors with arthritis or hobby classes.
Other low-impact activities that can help you stay flexible:
- Tai Chi
- Balancing exercises
- Dancing
When staying active and independent with arthritis is no longer an option, Sunny Days In-Home Care offers home care for seniors in the greater Pittsburgh area. Turn to our caregivers for assistance with daily tasks, such as laundry, meal preparation, bathing and grooming, and even transportation to a local fitness class. Contact Sunny Days for a free in-home assessment of your needs.
Call us at (724) 260-5186, email [email protected] or send us a message to find out how we can help you live a more active life.