Regular physical activity offers a plethora of health benefits to seniors. It boosts overall mental health and lowers the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. However, not every type of exercise is suitable for your elderly loved one. Among different types of exercises, swimming is especially beneficial to seniors. Assisted living Boca Raton knows that swimming is a low-impact exercise that targets all muscle groups in the body, which is why we highly recommend it.
Here are five ways swimming can benefit your elderly loved one:
- Easy on the Joints
Swimming is ideal for seniors who suffer from joint pain and discomfort. This low-impact exercise supports the joints and reduces pain. Water jogging, aqua Zumba, and water aerobics are just some of the exercises done underwater. With swimming, your loved one can enjoy the benefits of exercise without the pain.
- Promote Muscle Strength
Since not all seniors can lift weights, swimming offers natural resistance that offers similar effects to weight training. In fact, swimming works all the muscle groups at once! If you want, you can also target a specific muscle group by performing different strokes.
- Improve Mental Wellness
Swimming is scientifically proven to improve mental health by reducing stress levels, promoting brain function, and boosting your mood. This is especially beneficial for older adults who suffer from social isolation and loneliness that may lead to depression.
- Lower the Risk of Osteoporosis
Many adults over the age of 50 suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises help maintain bone strength, which combats the development and progression of osteoporosis. As mentioned, swimming is a great way to build muscle mass and improve bone density.
The Best Assisted Living Boca Raton for Your Loved One
Before you jump in the pool, assisted living Boca Raton recommends that you consult your healthcare professional first before trying out a new exercise. Courtyard Gardens Senior Living makes sure that our seniors stay healthy and active. We on-site primary care physicians that offer personal health and wellness assessments and more. To know more about the range of services we offer, call us today at (561) 336-4958.
