Stress increases with age, causing a significant impact on mental and physical health if it’s not managed correctly. This increased stress comes from fears, money worries, or just feeling overwhelmed by the changes that accompany aging. One tip to help reduce stress that also helps keep seniors physically fit is to incorporate physical exercise into their everyday lives. With the help of an in-home care team and loved ones, gain the support they need to tackle these changes with grace.
How Can Physical Activity Help Manage Stress?
Exercise has long been known to help mental health. Endorphins, created through exercise, are natural mood boosters that help lower feelings of anxiety and depression. Seniors can lower stress and improve their health by doing low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and gentle yoga.
- Walking: Walking is one of the most accessible ways for seniors to stay fit. A daily walk can help clear their thoughts, improve their mood, and be good for their heart. Seniors can start with short walks and gradually walk farther and faster as they get used to it. Their in-home care aides can also walk with them to ensure they don’t overdo it and to keep them company.
- Swimming: Swimming is another low-impact activity that can help seniors feel better. The water’s buoyancy helps ease joint pain and relaxes them. Swimming laps or taking water aerobics classes can also be a way for seniors who may feel lonely or separated to spend time with other people.
- Yoga: Yoga includes different body positions, breathing methods, and meditation. It has been shown to be good for mental health because it reduces stress and worry and makes seniors more flexible and balanced. Seniors can take gentle yoga classes or practice at home with the help of online tools or DVDs with instructions. They can ensure they use the correct form with loved ones and in-home care support.
Seniors can do more physical activity than just these specific workouts. They can also work physical activity into their daily lives. Activities like gardening, cleaning, and dancing can benefit their health and help them feel less stressed. The key is to find things they enjoy and to make physical activity a regular part of their daily life.
It’s important to remember that physical exercise should be done carefully, especially for seniors with health problems. Seniors should always talk to their doctor before starting a new exercise program. They should also start out slowly to minimize the chance of injury. This also allows them to get used to exercise, which makes it more likely they will continue.
What Can Seniors Do to Decrease Stress Besides Physical Activity?
In addition to physical exercise, there are several other ways for seniors to deal with stress. These include doing things like deep breathing and meditating to calm down, spending time with family and friends, and doing activities that make them happy and fulfilled.
Seniors can also benefit from getting help from people who work in mental health. Counseling and therapy can give them a safe place to talk about their stress and worry, giving them tools and strategies to deal with these feelings. With the help of a strong support team that includes loved ones and in-home care, seniors can decrease their stress and thrive.
Sources:
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9518651/
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Williamson, NC, please contact the caring staff at East Carolina Home Care today. Call (252) 321-5510.
Providing quality home care for seniors and families in and around Greenville, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Hookerton, Farmville, Elm City, Wilson, Kinston, Snow Hill, Williamson, Goldsboro, and Washington in North Carolina.
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