Exercise Tips for Seniors

It’s never too late to begin enjoying the benefits of physical exercise. In fact, older adults who have experienced a decline in physical activity due to certain age-related disorders may benefit most of all. Physical fitness doesn’t have to mean hours of strenuous work at the gym. For most people it’s simply about developing a healthier lifestyle; one that includes more physical activity and better nutritional choices. Let’s take a closer look at the positive effects of exercise.

Benefits

A regular exercise routine does far more than just help us look younger and build muscle; it is also good for our mental health, lowering our risk of disease, and maintaining our independence as we grow older. Senior citizens who incorporate a fitness plan into their daily lives will not only improve their bone density and muscle mass, but will also greatly improve their immune system, blood pressure, and heart-health. Daily exercise can even help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

Other added benefits include better sleep, greater self-confidence, and even improved memory. On a physical level, what we’re looking to improve is strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Even those who are chair-bound can participate in exercises that will enhance their range of motion and improve their overall quality of life. Below is a list of popular exercises for seniors.

Walking

Walking is a great low-impact exercise that is simple and fun to do. Choose a good pair of walking shoes with plenty of cushion and support. Be mindful of your posture, and breathe deep into your lungs. This will do wonders for delivering oxygen throughout your entire body and increasing your blood flow. Take a walk in nature to help relieve stress. Create a goal of around 30 minutes or more a few days a week, and be sure to stretch those leg muscles when you return.

Swimming

Swimming is another exercise that is easy on your joints and bones, and therefore lowers the risk of injury. Aside from the relaxing sensation of floating in water, you’ll drastically improve strength, endurance, and range of motion. Keep it fun by learning new strokes. You will soon discover that this gentle activity can be a total-body workout.

Yoga/chair yoga

Yoga is so much more than impossible-looking poses and strange chants. The benefits include increased strength and muscle tone, along with greater balance and stress relief. Even those confined to a chair can benefit from this harmony of stretching and strength-training. Learn yogic breathing to improve your lung function, ease digestion, and remove harmful toxins from your body. Regardless of your age or physical condition, there is a yoga program that is suitable for you.  Here in Southern Nevada, you can find a helpful program through Henderson's Senior Center or at Las Vegas's newly remodeled Derfelt Senior Center.

Contact Visiting Angels

By improving our fitness, we can improve our quality of life and continue doing the things we enjoy well into our golden-years. If you or an aging loved-one is in need of support, contact Visiting Angels by calling 702-407-1100. Our professional aides will be more than happy to assist you in developing a personalized fitness routine

A Tip For The Elderly: How to Combat Depression

Depression can affect an individual at any age and any stage in their life, but the elderly face a variety of additional issues that exacerbate their emotional distress. Everyone feels down at times during their life, but when these feelings are ongoing and affect other aspects of the person’s life, a clinical conditions known as depression may be taking hold. For those who are elderly, or have an elderly loved one, it is important to know what help is out there to combat depression and move forward in a healthy, positive way.

The Signs of Depression

As stated previously, simply feeling down for a short period of time is normal, but depression is a condition that lasts longer and affects every aspect of an individual’s life. Depression and feelings of sadness do go hand in hand, but many seniors may feel depressed without feeling sad. Therefore, look for other symptoms like lethargy, fatigue, losing interest in hobbies or pastimes, withdrawing socially, changes to one’s appetite, and changes to the sleep schedule. By themselves, these side effects may not lead to depression, but they are linked with this condition.

Where to Start

The first thing to remember is that depression is not a passing mood. Emotional distress is often the beginning, as lingering depression provokes suicidal thoughts, worsening of other illnesses, and a negative impact on relationships. The elderly, as well as those closest to them, can start by focusing on things they can change immediately. Diet, physical activity (when possible), and a good sleep schedule will keep the body producing and balancing hormones naturally.

Finding Support

It's all too easy for anyone struggling with depression to completely withdraw from hobbies, friends, and family. This is when outside support becomes necessary. Close friends and family members comprise the sufferer's immediate support network, and should try to remain in the individual’s life as much as possible, showing support in every way imaginable. Whether it is planning meals together, creating a schedule to get out of the home, going on walks, or simply lending an ear. It is these small steps that can become pivotal during this process.

Know When to Get Help

One of the biggest problems with depression is the fact that those struggling with it are unsure of when or where to get help. Some may hope that their mood improves over the coming days while others are lethargic about seeking out assistance. When depressed feelings extend weeks or even months and affect one’s physical health, emotional stability, and relationships, it is time to seek out professional assistance.

If you are an elderly person struggling with the symptoms of depression, or if you know an elderly person who is, please call Visiting Angels home health care professionals at 702-562-3322 so we can help you find the right support. Visiting Angels cares about our seniors.

Signs That May Suggest It's Time For Assisted Living

You elderly parents want to remain as independent as possible throughout their lives. Eventually, it becomes the responsibility of the adult child to make sure that they receive adequate care into the sunset of life. It might not be feasible to place the parent into a nursing home or retirement facility. This is where home health services can be the answer.

Silent Signals Your Parent Is In Trouble At Home

Despite their best efforts, your parents may inadvertently reveal the need for special home care services.  There are a few tell tale signs you can look for, even if your parent insists he or she flourishes independently.

1. You visit your parent and find evidence of things being broken. This could be due to them falling from dizzy spells or loss of balance upon standing.

2. Unexplained bruising. Another sign of evidence of falling.

3. Exterior damage to your parent’s automobile. This might be due to driving over a curb or hitting something due to misjudgment.

4. Smoky or smell of something overcooked in the home. Serious evidence that your parent could be having problems preparing meals.

5. Prescription medications missing or dropped on the floor by mistake. Sometimes this happens and the parent is unable to bend or squat to retrieve the medicine.

6. Missing scheduled physician appointments. This might be due to hearing loss and unable to hear information over the phone clearly.

7. Depression and Despair. This is common among seniors. They become lonely without companionship and support at home. This is very serious and can lead to greater psychological problems.

8. Denial by the parent that they need help when signs show that they do.

9. Unpaid bills or a utility is cut off at the home. This can be serious. It is a priority that all senior citizens have adequate utilities to carry out their daily activities. Failure of making an insurance payment can lead to termination of the policy so it is important to stay up to date on a parent’s finances.

10. Everyday, routine cleaning shows signs that help is needed. This usually starts with excessive trash building up in the home. Unwashed dishes gathering in the kitchen and dining area. Clothes being piled up but never washed. Unmade beds and dirty bathrooms can be another source of evidence.

If you are notice any of the above signs with your aging parent, it could be time to consider hiring a home healthcare service. Visiting Angels is an assisted living service here in Las Vegas and Henderson that can provide the care your parent needs at home.   Our list of home services includes meal preparation, light housekeeping and companionship among other, important services.

Give us a call today 702-562-3322 to find out more about our home services for your elderly parent.