The Benefits of Staying Active

There are many benefits to staying active as we age, including improved mental and physical health. Oklahoma City Home Care can help seniors realize these benefits by providing opportunities for activities that promote fitness and well-being. Following are the ideas of senior care that enable seniors to understand the importance of being active:

1. Personal Interaction

Loneliness is a serious threat to a senior's physical and emotional health. Virtual meeting apps enable an older person to chat face-to-face with dear ones anywhere. If computers intimidate a younger family member, help them shop for a senior-friendly device.

Silver surfers, Buzz50, and Friendly Seniors Chat are online chat rooms for seniors. To interact directly with their peers, an older person could visit the local senior’s center or join a club or group for people their age. Adopted shelter animals make excellent companions for those physically and financially able to care for a pet.

2. Helping Others

Volunteering can benefit a senior in 20 ways, which include improving physical and emotional health. Schools, religious organizations, charities, and public libraries rely on volunteers. For example, a humanitarian organization might benefit from a senior's unique skill set.

Joining the auxiliary is a way to help a volunteer fire department without becoming a firefighter. Seniors who tutor or mentor young people help build a better future. If a senior prefers to volunteer from home, they can do good work remotely using a phone or computer.

3. Exercise

Exercise strengthens the body and mind and improves mood while reducing the risk of falling. As a general guideline, older people need 30 minutes of cardio exercise five days a week. However, only a doctor can determine the best exercise regimen for an individual senior.

Whatever the level of their physical ability or limitations, there is an exercise program for every senior. The best way to keep an older loved one moving is to find a physical activity they enjoy. For example, doing yard work and housework counts as exercise.

4. Engage The Brain

The human brain needs regular exercise. A lack of intellectual stimulation can cause or accelerate cognitive decline. A weaker brain leads to a more fragile body. Watching DVDs and listening to music keep a senior's brain engaged.

The more we challenge our brain, the stronger it becomes. Crossword puzzles, word finds, and Sudoku provides an intellectual workout. Playing board and card games, learning new skills, and reading strengthen the mind and body.

5. Hobbies

A pastime can encompass one or more of the ideas we have explored already. For example, a senior can join a club and interact with others who share their hobby. Hobbies like gardening and hiking keep an older person in motion.

Crafters and builders can knit socks for the homeless or make items to sell for charity fundraisers. Mastering any hobby involves employing your intellect. A senior can compensate if age-related changes make pursuing a favored pastime difficult. For example, consider a lighted magnifier if diminished eyesight is an issue. Likewise, knitting with arthritis is easier if the knitter soaks their hands in warm water before knitting, holds their work on their lap, and uses only wool or acrylic yarn.

6. Sports

Discover the inclusivity of adaptive sports tailored to specific needs, ensuring everyone can engage in physical activity. Wheelchair tennis allows individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the thrill of the game. Adaptive yoga adapts poses for varying abilities, promoting flexibility and mindfulness. Swimming programs cater to diverse needs, providing a low-impact, full-body workout. These adaptive sports empower individuals to stay active, fostering a sense of accomplishment and well-being within a supportive and inclusive community.

7. Incorporate Technology

Incorporate technology into a senior's active lifestyle with fitness apps or wearable devices. These tools offer the ability to track daily steps and set personalized activity goals. The visual representation of progress provided by these apps serves as a motivational tool, encouraging seniors to stay consistent with their physical activity. By integrating modern technology, seniors can monitor and celebrate their achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and further promoting the benefits of staying active.

Bottom Line

Being active in old age has many benefits. It can help improve your mood, keep your mind sharp, and give you a sense of purpose. It can also help you stay independent and connected to your community. Home Care Oklahoma City conducts many recreational activities for seniors that allow them to be active in their old age.