Ideal Physical Activities for Senior Population

As we grow old we start losing our functioning capability, this is associated to decline of body physiological functioning that leads to loss of body muscle mass, low metabolism decreased cardiac output among other vital functionalities the consequence is the inability to efficiently perform physical activities which continues to decline as your age advances. Although aging is a natural process and is inevitable, the physiological effects of aging can be slowed down through proper and regular physical activities, it is worth noting the senior population is categorized as a high-risk group, and therefore they need a tailored fitness program that meets individual needs. Seniors mainly need assistance with basic activities such as feeding, dressing, and bathing these challenges can be tackled using personalized exercises that address these challenges, this article highlights some physical exercises that can be used to help seniors to improve their day to day living.

The senior population face challenges in doing simple tasks of daily living (ADL) like feeding, dressing, bathing as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) such as cooking, shopping, and other home chores, because of aging-related chronic conditions like arthritis that significantly affect their flexibility, decreased muscle mass making it challenging for this group to withstand physical exertions for a considerable amount of time, heart conditions that put them on cardiac arrest risk among other things that make it hard to engage them in a regular exercise program. Therefore, this group can benefit from exercises that are tailored to improve ADL and IADL, the primary goal of the exercise program of the seniors should to make them independent, flexibility and fine mortar skills exercise play a vital role in this group.

Low to moderate aerobic exercises are recommended for this group, such aerobics activities include but not limited to walking, hydrodynamics exercises, swimming, and cycling, it is however recommended to maintain constant monitoring of their heart rate, blood pressure as well as their ratings of perceived exertion to make sure they are safe at all time, where applicable collect and keep their performance data which you can use to adjust, manipulate and improve the exercise program to ensure there is gradual progress on their health goals without putting them on any risks.

Senior population is also at high risk of experiencing deteriorated and irreversible brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s this condition can also be slowed by keeping the seniors active with ADL and IADL such as walking, cooking, and dancing. You can use highlighted exercises to design a good exercise program for the senior population.