Maintaining physical fitness is a big task for aging adults, but it’s one that is crucial if they want to remain independent for as long as they can. Functional fitness involves mimicking real-life movements, helping seniors to continue doing these activities in their daily lives. Building routines around exercising more, especially in terms of functional fitness, is something home care assistance can help seniors to manage.
Functional Fitness Defined
Functional fitness regimens use movements and activities that are just like the ones used in daily life. These exercises focus on keeping seniors performing everyday tasks as safely and as independently as possible. These exercises often involve different muscle groups rather than isolating individual muscles like some other types of workouts might.
Benefits of Functional Fitness
It’s important for seniors to consider functional fitness routines because of the benefits they offer. Overall, seniors can find that they improve their overall physical health, mainly because of the benefits of exercise and moving more. Seniors are also less likely to fall, which is a huge factor in keeping seniors safe. Regular exercise also helps to improve quality of life while also helping to control chronic health conditions. Seniors who exercise more may be better able to remain as independent as they wish while also enjoying their lives more.
Strength Training
Seniors focusing on functional fitness might want to focus heavily on strength training. That’s because it builds muscles and helps to reduce muscle loss that can come with aging. These stronger muscles help to improve posture, support joints, and help with fall prevention. Some of these exercises might include resistance band exercises and bodyweight exercises.
Balance and Stability
Another group of exercises that is a huge help with preventing falls includes exercises that build both balance and stability. These types of exercises help improve core strength and coordination, which can be a big problem for seniors as they age. Some of these exercises can be as simple as standing on one leg or walking.
Mobility and Flexibility
When seniors are more flexible, they maintain a better range of motion in their joints and muscles. Reducing stiffness and improving range of motion can help to improve overall mobility. Stretching exercises improve flexibility, help seniors to avoid injury, and can also help to reduce fall risk. Some good exercises to include might be yoga or tai chi.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular exercise is great for heart health, and it also improves overall endurance, which can be a problem for aging adults. These exercises can be ones that seniors do just for fun instead of focusing on making a workout out of them. Activities like dancing, swimming, or walking can all fall under this category.
Getting started with a new exercise program takes some time. Elder care providers can help seniors to find new routines that support functional fitness on a regular basis. Home care assistance can also be there to offer companionship and to help seniors avoid overdoing it, which can be another big source of injury and discomfort.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Coon Rapids, MN and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
