As we get older, one of the first things we notice is that our activity levels tend to drop. This can be an even bigger problem when someone becomes a resident in an assisted living facility in Florida. How can we promote that residents stay active while living in this type of setting?
Why Exercise Is Important for The Elderly
Staying active is important at any age, not just in the elderly, but it is the elderly who seem to have a hard time being able to do so. An assisted living center that utilizes exercise in their program creates many benefits for their residents.
Exercising can help elderly residents by helping to maintain or increase their strength, promotes an improvement in balance, combats depression and boredom.
The risk of stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers can be reduced due to exercising and staying active.
Especially in memory care residents, the use of exercise and being active can increase their cognitive functionality. Their ability to learn is heightened and making decisions come more easily to those who are active.
Ways to Stay Active
A luxury assisted living community in Boynton Beach will offer a variety of activities to keep their residents happy and active. Activities range at assisted living facilities and it is important to keep this in mind when choosing which one is right for you. Make sure that there are topics and classes that interest you so that you can remain active.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an exercise that works both the mind and the body. This is a low-impact exercise that is friendly on the joints. The fluid motion of Tai Chi also helps with strengthening to help prevent falls.
Tai Chi is good for focusing on strength, flexibility, and coordination. This can also be adapted for those who have a limited activity level, like limited mobility to a wheelchair for example.
Water Aerobics
The use of water aerobics is often recommended for those who have arthritis or are rehabilitating from a fall injury. The water helps to support the joints and creates a low risk of impact on them. The water acts as resistance to the muscles and allows for strengthening and toning.
If a resident has problems with their weight, using water aerobics for weight loss and exercise can help. The water will reduce the strain of the weight on their knees, ankles, and feet.
Yoga
Yoga helps with strengthening the core and improving balance. Your medical needs or activity level determines the skill level of the exercise.
Yoga can even be done while sitting in a chair. If done regularly it can help with reducing the pain caused by diseases like osteoporosis.
Exercise Buddy
Just because you live in an assisted living community doesn’t mean that you can’t find yourself an exercise buddy. Staying active is more fun when you have someone to share it with. Making new friends is an important part of staying active too.
An assisted living facility in Florida will encourage their residents to stay active. They will work diligently to adjust and modify activities for the residents and foster the relationships that can be made within the community. Maintaining this active role in society is key to your health.
