The Benefits Of Senior Care Fitness Programs | Health Tips

Recently, there has been a demand for fitness regiments to be included in senior care programs established by various elder care centers across the country. Even though there are a number of seniors who are physically active and involved in various activities, making it mandatory for home health care centers to implement a fitness program can benefit seniors in a variety of ways. Fitness programs for seniors aren?t the same with the ones that are implemented in fitness gyms for middle age and young fitness buffs (like these).

Careful consideration must be done for the frailty of the physical condition of old people and so the fitness program should not be as strenuous and as physically demanding as regular fitness regimens. Here are some other items that should be considered when implementing a fitness program for seniors.

Individual Abilities

- The fitness program should cater to the various physical abilities of each and every senior citizen. Those who are experiencing arthritis and other chronic join problems cannot engage in aerobics for a long period of time than those who are? in good physical condition. Also, seniors on wheelchairs cannot do any exercise routines besides short walks and such. The fitness program should be sensitive to each physical condition and should be dynamic so that everyone is able to participate.

- Exercise is a form of physical therapy. By implementing a range of motion exercise with the help of a physical therapist with your program including arm movements, leg movements and other parts of the body, seniors are able to take advantage of the health benefits of range motion exercises.

- It ought to begin slowly along with fewer repetitions so that the seniors build up their muscle strength.

- It ought to only implement natural movements and stretches as some elderly may have shoulder or hip replacements.

How Can Home Care Centers Reap the Benefits of Fitness Programs

- Improved physical condition allows one to live a vigorous life even in an advanced age. Whenever a physical condition improves using the exercises implemented in the home care, the elderly will be able to take longs walks with his or her visitors, engage in other activities including gardening, playing basketball etc. Improved physical condition means improved total well being.

- A senior citizen with good physical condition can minimize his likelihood of accident injuries and will have better cognitive abilities compared to a senior citizen in poor physical health.

Who Are the Persons Involved?

A skilled physical therapist, a nurse or a fitness trainer focusing on seniors ought to be the ones who should handle the fitness program. However, when a family member of one of the seniors is willing to help, it would be more fun, exciting and more beneficial to the senior citizen as long as it is done under the supervision with a physical therapist or a nurse.

Source: http://zrnia.co.cc/health-fitness/the-benefits-of-senior-care-fitness-programs/

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