As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, making it increasingly vital to prioritize physical activity for overall health and well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, older adults are at a higher risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, falls are a prevalent concern, with one in three older adults experiencing a fall each year, often resulting in serious injuries. With winter fading away and spring blossoming, now is the perfect time to re-focus on the importance of physical activity for older adults.
Staying active plays a crucial role in promoting longevity and enhancing quality of life as we age. Rachel Sanford, a Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing for Family & Nursing Care Select, emphasizes the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle.
“The less active we are, the more difficult it becomes to stay motivated to engage in activities,” she says. “Decreased physical activity can lead to muscle loss, poor exercise tolerance, and increased risk of falls or injuries.”
Engaging in regular physical activity not only benefits older adults physically, including cardiovascular health, but also contributes to their mental and emotional well-being. Increased physical activity, with which Caregivers can assist, can help boost someone’s mood, decrease stress, and enhance alertness. Sanford also underscores the importance of recognizing age-related changes and embracing assistive devices or Caregiver assistance. “Falls in the older adult population can be catastrophic,” she warns. “Utilizing any resource available to minimize the risk of falls is vital to allow older adults to remain injury-free and living independently.”
When it comes to choosing activities, low-impact exercises tend to be most appealing for older adults. Swimming, chair yoga, seated exercises, and wall Pilates are excellent options that minimize strain on aging bodies while still providing significant health benefits. Sanford recommends that clients work on their mobility as often and as safely possible, ideally daily. She also stresses that everyone has unique needs and, while going for a long walk or to the gym may work well for one person, standing from a seated position 10 times a day or changing positions in bed frequently may work better for another person. When it comes to exercise, Sanford likes to quote Newton’s First Law of Motion, “An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion, so let’s get moving.”
At the end of the day, prioritizing physical activity for older adults is not just about staying fit — it’s about preserving independence, enhancing quality of life, and reducing the risk of falls and injuries. With help from qualified and supportive Caregivers, clients can receive the encouragement they need to stay active, in addition to other services, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, errands, meal prep and light housekeeping, medication reminders, and companionship.
For more information on how Family & Nursing Care can help, check out the Mobility Assistance webpage.
800-588-0517
