When an older adult is suffering from arthritis pain, the last thing they might want to do is exercise. However, experts say that exercise is one of the best ways to improve arthritis pain. The trick is to know how to exercise safely with arthritis and which kinds of exercise work best.
Importance of Exercise
For people with arthritis, exercise has all of the usual benefits that it has for everyone else, but it also has several others, including:
The good news is that seniors with arthritis don’t have to commit hours every day to intense workouts. In fact,
they should choose forms of exercise that are easy on their joints. Some examples of arthritis friendly exercises are:
Mistakes to Avoid
Although any amount of exercise is good, it’s also important to do it correctly. Many people make serious mistakes in their workouts that can cause harm. Below are some mistakes the Arthritis Foundation recommends avoiding:
Elder care can help seniors with arthritis to include more physical activity and exercise into their days. An elder care provider can escort the senior on a walk to make sure they don’t fall or get lost. Elder care providers can also offer transportation to the gym to use the equipment or attend a class. If your aging relative prefers to exercise at home, an elder care provider can keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t injure themselves.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/physical-activity-overview.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/how-to/exercise-program-tips.php
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDER CARE IN RIVER WEST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
Importance of Exercise
For people with arthritis, exercise has all of the usual benefits that it has for everyone else, but it also has several others, including:
- Lessening arthritis pain.
- Helping joints function better.
- Boosting mood.
- Improving quality of life.
- Reduces fatigue.
- Delay or prevent disability due to arthritis.
The good news is that seniors with arthritis don’t have to commit hours every day to intense workouts. In fact,
they should choose forms of exercise that are easy on their joints. Some examples of arthritis friendly exercises are:
- Walking.
- Swimming.
- Biking.
- Yoga.
Mistakes to Avoid
Although any amount of exercise is good, it’s also important to do it correctly. Many people make serious mistakes in their workouts that can cause harm. Below are some mistakes the Arthritis Foundation recommends avoiding:
- Skipping Warm Up: Warm up is important because it gets blood flowing and prepares muscles for exercise. If your aging relative doesn’t warm up, their joints may not move as well, and they risk injury.
- Working Too Hard: Working so hard that they are huffing and puffing can result in the body not getting enough oxygen. That can cause joints to hurt worse.
- Not Working Hard Enough: Some people go too easy in their workout and don’t break a sweat. Not working hard enough won’t help with weight loss, strengthening muscles, or improving joint health.
- Not Hydrating: It’s important to drink extra water while exercising because the body needs it to cool off and support circulation. Seniors should drink an extra 6 to 8 ounces of water for every 15 minutes of exercise and then follow the workout with still more water.
Elder care can help seniors with arthritis to include more physical activity and exercise into their days. An elder care provider can escort the senior on a walk to make sure they don’t fall or get lost. Elder care providers can also offer transportation to the gym to use the equipment or attend a class. If your aging relative prefers to exercise at home, an elder care provider can keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t injure themselves.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/physical-activity-overview.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/how-to/exercise-program-tips.php
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDER CARE IN RIVER WEST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.