Why Maintaining Flexibility Is So Important For Seniors
Elder Care in River Oaks, TX
As seniors get older staying flexible is one of the most important things for them to do to maintain their health and mobility. Staying flexible can become difficult for seniors as they get older for many different reasons, including living a more sedentary lifestyle due to health issues.
But staying flexible is essential for seniors who want to continue to live independently. Flexibility is a key part of your mom or dad’s ability to live on their own. Being flexible helps prevent injuries in seniors. And it helps them maintain a greater range of motion in joints, which significantly reduces the risk of falls.
If your mom or dad wants to continue living on their own they should be working on their flexibility as much as possible. There are exercises and therapies that can help your mom or dad improve their flexibility and balance, which will help them age in place.
If your mom or dad has elder care, their elder care provider can help your mom or dad improve their flexibility by encouraging them to exercise and stretch. An elder care provider can do stretches with your mom or dad, and help them engage in other activities that will improve their flexibility like:
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a great way for seniors to stretch and strengthen their bodies without needing to get on the floor. It can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength, all while sitting in a chair. Chair yoga can be done in short sessions, about 10 to 15 minutes at a time, a few times a week.
There are videos online and online classes that will guide your mom or dad through a gentle chair yoga series to help them be more flexible.
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise for improving flexibility. It can be done indoors or outdoors and is great for strengthening the legs, hips, and lower back, which are key areas for flexibility. Walking around the house or the yard also encourages circulation and can help prevent stiffness in the joints. If balance is a concern, your parent can use a walker or cane for support.
Gentle Stretching
Simple, gentle stretching exercises can help increase flexibility without causing strain. Stretching should always be done slowly, and it’s important not to push the body too far. Stretching after a walk or other gentle activity will help to keep muscles long and flexible. Your mom or dad may find that gentle stretching at night helps them sleep.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a form of gentle martial art that focuses on slow, controlled movements and deep breathing. It’s known for improving balance, flexibility, and strength. Tai Chi is great for seniors because it is easy on the joints and can be done at any pace. There are even online Tai Chi classes that your mom or dad can do from home if they have a computer or a TV that has the ability to stream.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care in River Oaks, TX, contact the caring staff at Personal Caregiving Services at 832-564-0338. Providing Care in Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Katy, Sugar Land, and the surrounding areas.
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