Archives for Exercise

Yoga Benefits for Seniors

Alternative therapy is important, especially for seniors; however, when most seniors think of Yoga, “oiling the joints” is probably one of the last things that comes to mind. But that’s how 91-year-old Bernice Bates describes an ancient Indian tradition that has been around since at least the Stone Ages. Since the beginning, Yoga has been utilized to help improve the human condition, while incorporating a meditative and spiritual core – principles that still remain intact today. There are numerous benefits to practicing Yoga, like healing aches and pains, increasing blood flow, boosting immunity, and improving overall health. Bates has been
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Spring Activities for Seniors

Help Get Seniors Active This Spring Cold weather temperatures have kept many seniors confined to their apartments or homes this winter. We all know how important it is for older loved ones to take the proper precautions when traveling, especially when the potential for slips and falls is the greatest on icy sidewalks and roads. But now that spring has sprung and warmer temperatures abound, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the fresh air and sunshine that comes along with more favorable outdoor conditions even if you are already taking advantage of alternative therapy options. Here are a
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Mind Games

Workout Your Cranium It is inevitable to stop the aging process and with aging comes memory loss.  More and more of forgetful moments begin to occur and it can be alarming.  However, there may be options when it comes to delaying this process and keeping the brain young. “A 60 year-old brain is two to three times slower than a 20 year-old brain,” according to an article on memory loss by Web-MD.  They also added that by the time you reach the age of 80, your brain may function five to eight times slower.  We are not saying that memory
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Exercises Beneficial To Relieving Arthritis Symptoms

  There are a number of ways that a tailored exercise program can help relieve the pain and fatigue of arthritis and preserve joint structure and function, in the process. Incidentally, the term arthritis describes more than 100 rheumatic diseases and related conditions that cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints and connective tissues. Freedom Home Care has found that over 50 million adults suffer from some form of the disease, with the most common type being osteoarthritis. Treatment usually involves medication to help alleviate pain and discomfort, which may be a simpler alternative when dealing with the symptoms of arthritis.
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Ways to Stay Active in the Winter

It may seem like a challenge to find fun, indoor activities during the winter months. But doing a little research, Freedom Home Care found a number of ways seniors can stay busy and active inside when the temperatures begin to fall outside.   Get Creative Some of the best creativity happens when the there’s nothing standing in the way between you and your craft. It doesn’t take a whole lot of time or money to indulge in the arts. Pick up a few artsy materials from the local craft store, invite a few friends over, and start a small arts
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Freedom Home Care Sponsors Fitness Classes for Seniors

We at Freedom Home Care enjoy being regularly involved in our community, and one way we do so is by sponsoring some fun and exciting senior fitness classes, such as… Sit and Be Fit: One of the most popular classes offered to residents, this class provides residents with a combination of strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination based exercises. Part of the class is done seated, while the other half of class is done standing. However, for those who are unable to stand for the exercises, modifications are given. Chair Yoga: Very light class offered to residents interested in learning basic yoga while also improving their flexibility. The instructor takes the class through meditation techniques, breathing strategies, and seated yoga routines. This class is meant to leave the participants feeling calm and relaxed.
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Exercise and Physical Activity Have Similar Positive Effects in Seniors

As we get older, our bodies still require movement, whether we like it or not. There are plenty of ways exercise and participate in physical activity that will help improve our health and livelihood, especially for seniors. Surprisingly, there are differences between exercise and physical activity. Knowing what those differences are and how each can benefit your health can help people over the age of 60 maximize their potential when it comes to staying active. Physical activity can include things like walking, jogging, biking, hiking, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or gardening. Exercise is considered to be a specifically planned, structured, and repetitive
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Falling Down: Prevention Tips

Trips and falls can lead to serious injuries, hip fractures, and head traumas in older adults – Freedom Home Care wants to help you take steps to prevent them. Each year, one in every three adults ages 65 and older slip and fall in the U.S. According to Physical Therapist Alice Bell, seniors who have fallen once are the most at risk of falling again. There are a number of factors that contribute to falls experienced by seniors, and any kind of fall can be especially dangerous for people with Osteoporosis. Known to many as the silent disease, Osteoporosis causes
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Running is Not Just for the Young

Although it is rare for someone to pick up competitive running in their sixties or later, Freedom Home Care has seen it happen as well as the benefits that come along with it.  Even if you are a very athletic person, you may be joining the rest of us average people who start to see a change in our skills and activity level between ages 30 to 40.  That is due to the unavoidable decline in muscular strength, endurance, and higher risk of injury. Not to mention, as we get older our injuries tend to keep us out of commission
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It’s Never Too Late for Senior Health Improvements

Even in old age, there’s no reason not to take care of yourself. Whether it’s a walk in the park or choosing fruit instead of dessert, finding simple habits to integrate into your everyday life is the easiest way to stay healthy. With old age, you might see a decline in your physical health even when your mind feels 30! So what are some practical ways to keep your mind—and body—feeling younger? Light strength training is a great way to improve senior health and coordination, and can even be done at home with a chair (and pillow, if needed). There
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