Exercise Matters: Help Senior Loved Ones Stay Active

A new University of British Columbia study shows that weight lifting not only improves muscle conditioning in older adults, but also supports brain health.

Exercise is associated with stronger bones, according to recent research from Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany.

Physical activity reduces blood pressure, says several studies from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A University of Georgia study suggests that regular walking nearly halves the disability risk in elders.

According to the Arthritis Society, physical activity is a natural pain reliever.

You have probably seen some of the recent studies confirming how important exercise is for seniors. Research in ageing over the past 30 years has demonstrated conclusively that regular physical activity is the most important contributor to good health as we grow older.

Yet just at the stage in life when physical activity is more important than ever for well-being, chronic medical conditions can make it harder to be active. Living with disability can create the fear of falling. Pain, or the fear of it, causes people to shy away from an active lifestyle. And giving up driving makes it harder to get out of the house.

The Cycle of Inactivity

Decreased exercise leads to weakness and fatigue…which leads to decreased physical activity…which in turn leads to increased disability. Gerontologists call this "the cycle of decline," and interrupting this cycle is vital to the health of older adults. The single most important thing you can do for senior loved ones is to help them break that cycle and get moving! Exercise need not be vigorous to be beneficial, and every little bit helps.

Family members can take an active role in encouraging their older loved ones to be active. And when family can't be there, in-home senior health care services can be the key to a sustained, effective activity plan for your loved one. An in-home caregiver can:

Provide an extra measure of confidence. Many families report that with a trained professional caregiver nearby, their loved one is less afraid to go out for a walk or to work in the garden. And for seniors with Alzheimer's or other dementia, the caregiver can provide watchful supervision and a sense of independence.

Transport your loved one to exercise opportunities. Today, exercise programs are available for everyone, no matter their health condition. Your loved one's healthcare provider can recommend appropriate choices. What about low-impact water aerobics at a local health club? Wii bowling or wheelchair dance classes at the senior centre? A tai chi class? A walk at the local shopping centre? Don't let the term "home care" mislead you: a professional caregiver can open the door to outside activities for your loved one.

Help with medication management. Seniors take medications for many health conditions. But medications themselves can have side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion, that impede physical activity. A senior home health care provider can be sure your loved one is taking medications correctly, and can report any side effects.

Support pain management. Exercise is an important tool for pain control—yet physical pain can be a deterrent to keeping active. Your loved one's physician or a pain control specialist can create a plan for lessening the pain-inactivity cycle. Then, the home health caregiver can support your loved one's compliance with physical therapy or other prescribed treatments, as well as supervising pain medication management.

For More Information

Read Choices every month to learn about more creative solutions for supporting healthful activity in senior loved ones.

Just for Fun

"Exercise is the Best Prescription" Wordfind

Physical activity can help seniors feel better about themselves, and about life in general. This month's puzzle contains the names of 20 conditions and body systems that are improved by adding physical activity to our daily lives. Download and print your copy of the puzzle and give your brain a workout!