It is important for caregivers to encourage aging loved ones to stay active, but that is sometimes easier said than done for seniors with mobility issues. Many traditional forms of exercise are no longer available to them, and giving up their old favorites can be difficult to deal with. However, there are a multitude of adaptive ways seniors can stay active. Consider these activities for your loved one.
Wheelchair sports: Look for traditional sports with wheelchair leagues. Even if your loved one is confined to a chair, they can still participate in adaptations of old favorites such as basketball, tennis, softball, and bicycling. Becoming part of a league will provide a routine exercise schedule, and the companionship of a team is an additional benefit for seniors.
Aquatic exercise: Working out in water eliminates many of the hazards traditional exercise methods pose to seniors. It can prevent falls and cushion impact on joints. Aquatic exercise ranges from swimming laps to jogging or walking in the shallow end of a pool to taking deep water aerobics classes. Check with your local pool or senior center to find out the types of activities offered near you.
Adaptive yoga: Many yoga poses can be modified for those with physical limitations, such as a wheelchair, arthritis, or other mobility issue. This method takes each person’s disability into account to create a customized workout. Regular yoga can improve seniors’ flexibility and increase their range of motion. Yoga can also help reduce chronic pain and lower blood pressure, making it a highly beneficial way to stay active.