Safe Exercises for Seniors with Alzheimer’s
By Jeremy Grant
Tips for Caregivers from the Home Instead Mississauga Team
It does not matter what age you are; exercise benefits us all. First, it helps you maintain a healthy weight. Your anxiety levels lessen, and your sleep improves, as does your mood. Now picture how these benefits work for a person with cognitive impairment. If you are caring for an Alzheimer’s patient, you will be able to see the difference that regular activity makes. The adverse effects of low energy, coordination, balance issues, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping will dissipate as your loved one introduces the habit of exercising.
Give your aging mom or dad the gift of a healthier lifestyle while they battle the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Not only will it help their cognitive abilities, but it can help other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. You don’t have to do this alone. Call on the caring professionals at Home Instead Mississauga for services like Alzheimer's care, respite care, and meals and nutrition.
8 Exercises for Your Senior with Alzheimer’s
Exercise will not cure dementia or Alzheimer’s, but it can aid your loved one in their overall health. The key is to start slow and increase your time until you reach about 30 minutes daily, five days a week. Here are some exercises to consider:
- Walking. This can be done outside when the weather is beautiful or on a treadmill. If you cannot go with Mom, enlist the help of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) from Home Instead. We are happy to help her take care of her health.
- Chair Yoga. Sometimes balance is an issue, so using a chair is helpful for stability. Chair Yoga is handy for improving your flexibility, coordination, balance, and is relaxing.
- Stationary Bike. Because of the repetitive movement, this option is fantastic for your mom. She will get her heart rate increasing and muscles moving.
- Weights. Help Dad combat bone loss and cognitive impairment with a little bit of weight training. This is not about building bulk but strengthening bones.
- Tai Chi. Allow Mom to think more clearly, improve her balance, and strengthen her body with the gentle exercises and stretches of tai chi.
- Gardening. You may be surprised at how rejuvenating and relaxing this activity can be for you or your senior with Alzheimer’s. It can give you a sense of purpose, soothe anxiety, and lower your blood pressure.
- Swimming. Water aerobics is better on the joints and helps your heart. The resistance from the water helps strengthen your body as well.
Combat the Effects of Alzheimer’s with Exercise – Home Instead Can Help
Never give up on staying as healthy as possible when you add exercise to your daily routine. Get help from Home Instead in Mississauga. We serve you and your family with personalized senior care services and additional resources to ensure you can live your best life now. Let us assist you and your loved ones with our specialized services.
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