The Best Exercise For Seniors With Alzheimer’s

Exercise is important for all seniors, including seniors with Alzheimer’s. In order to be healthy and lower the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease it’s just as important for senior who have Alzheimer’s to exercise as it is for other seniors. But exercise for seniors with Alzheimer’s can be tricky. Seniors who have Alzheimer’s may not be able to exercise independently. Alzheimer’s care services are often recommended for seniors with Alzheimer’s because the caregivers who provide Alzheimer’s care have the skills and experience to work effectively with seniors who have dementia.

A caregiver that specializes in Alzheimer’s care can help your senior get the exercise they need by helping them do these recommended types of exercise:

Walking with Alzheimer’s Care Aide

Walking is a great exercise for seniors with Alzheimer’s because it’s just one easy repetitive movement that they can do without thinking too much about their movement. The important thing is to have someone like a caregiver go with your senior loved one every time they leave the house. It’s too easy for seniors with dementia to become confused and get lost when they’re out walking alone. Anytime a senior with dementia goes out they should have a caregiver with them as well as a GPS track and weather appropriate clothing in case they do wander off.

Exercise Classes

The local senior center may have exercise classes specifically for seniors with dementia. These classes are usually led by a movement specialist who will model specific therapeutic exercise for the seniors in the class. Using a combination of easy movements like standing up and sitting down, raising the arms and lowering them, and twisting in a chair seniors can get a surprisingly effective workout. An Alzheimer’s care provider can make sure that your senior loved one gets safely to and from the senior center to attend exercise classes during the week.

Stretching

Stretching at home is another highly recommended exercise for seniors. Stretching can improve flexibility and help seniors maintain their mobility. Yoga stretches for seniors are available on DVDs and streaming so that they can be done at home, although your senior loved one may need someone to model the stretches for them. They may not be able to understand the movements if they are seeing them on a screen. Stretching can be done in the morning and at night for the best effect. Strength training at home can also be a good exercise for seniors with dementia.

Alzheimer’s Care Murfreesboro TN – The Best Exercise For Seniors With Alzheimer’s

Water Aerobics

If your senior loved one likes the water then water aerobics for seniors are great. Your senior loved one may need to join a gym or a local pool to participate in these classes. However, they will get a very good workout that will help them strengthen muscles and maintain muscle mass without any impact. Just make sure that your senior parent is comfortable in the water and make sure there is a caregiver with them at all times in case they become confused or anxious in the water.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care Services in Murfreesboro TN, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home. Serving Middle Tennessee (Nashville, Brentwood, Belle Meade, Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Pulaski, and more!) Call today: 629-203-7925.