Useful Exercises for Older Adults with Arthritis

Many older adults with arthritis do not exercise thinking that it will make their condition worse. However, it actually helps increase strength & flexibility, reduce joint pain, & combat fatigue. Of course, the thought of walking around the block or taking a dip into the swimming pool might seem a bit too overwhelming when your stiff joints are already bogging you down. But, you do not need to swim like an Olympic competitor or run a marathon to manage your joint pain. Just a few low-impact exercises everyday can help strengthen your joints & improve flexibility. On the other hand, not exercising can result in muscle loss & weight gain, aggravating the arthritis pain.

Some of the exercises that are known to benefit seniors with arthritis are:

• Water Aerobics

Water-based exercises are ideal for older adults with arthritis because of many reasons. For example, the resistance of the water helps in building muscles while the buoyancy reduces the impact on joints. Water aerobics give the most benefit when you exercise in a heated pool as the warmth helps in relieving pain.

• Yoga

Due to its relaxing nature & low-impact movements, Yoga is one of the most recommended forms of exercise for the elderly with arthritis. Besides managing arthritis symptoms, it also helps in reducing stress.

• Light Weight Lifting

Although lifting weights may seem intimidating to the elderly, it can actually help them strengthen their muscles & joints. However, it is important to choose the right dumbbells so you do not end up getting hurt. It is best to weight lift under the guidance of a trained fitness professional who can suggest you the right dumbbells according to your physical ability.

• Stretches

For an improved range of motion, stretches are one of the most effective forms of exercise. Besides helping you maintain normal joint function, stretches are highly relaxing and promote better sleep.

If you need someone who can be your ideal partner during your workout sessions and help you with daily chores at the same time, contact Always Best Care today! As one of the leading providers of senior home care services in East Bay, we have the best caregivers to meet your needs. Call @ (925) 210-0323 to book your free care consultation!