Five simple exercises to enjoy with your elderly loved ones

Exercise is a hugely important aspect of day-to-day life, and that becomes even more the case as we get older. However, too many people enter the later chapters of their life and abandon their fitness. Which can be hugely detrimental on quality of life.

At residential care homes for elderly people, there’s a real emphasis on exercise routines to keep both the body and mind in the best working order and help slow conditions such as dementia.

But it doesn’t matter if a person is in a home or not, staying active is so important and if you have elderly loved ones you want to help with that, then there are plenty of simple exercises you can join in with.

Leisurely strolls in nature

Of course, one of the most obvious options is to enjoy a stroll outdoors and surround yourselves in nature. There are many accessible parks and nature reserves for people, even if your loved one does have mobility issues and can’t walk too far. It provides cardiovascular benefits that can improve heart health and ward off diseases, while also providing meaningful social interaction during a period of a person’s life where loneliness can be a real problem.

It’s all about improving mood, finding a comfortable pace and enjoying each other’s company and the surroundings you’re in.

Chair Yoga and Stretching

Chair yoga is becoming more and more popular and is a brilliant activity to help your elderly loved one be flexible, mobile and improve their overall balance. The idea of it is that all exercises are done sitting down, making it a much more gentle and safe form of yoga for those who may not be as light on their feet as they used to be. These exercises can help alleviate stiffness, reduce joint pain and promote relaxation. And, what’s more, they can be enjoyed from the comfort of a living room.

Dance lessons and sessions

Whether it be enjoying a YouTube class at home or heading out to a dance class, getting your groove on with your elderly loved ones can be incredibly fun and really good for cardiovascular and cognitive health. If at home, choose music that resonates with your loved one and encourages themselves to express themself.

Joining a class can also be a great option for increasing social interaction. Loved ones can meet and interact with likeminded people as well as yourself, and make friends that can last a lifetime.

Gardening and plant care

Getting out in the garden can be hugely beneficial for exercise and mental health. Being out in nature and enjoying fresh air can bring an air of calm, while the sense of achievement from seeing your work turn into fully fledged produce can be really fulfilling.

It can be a type of exercise that can really forge bonds, particularly when it comes to planning what you want to do, what you want to grow and the tasks that come with that. It’s a nice, gentle exercise in which you and your loved one can go at your own pace and really make the most of, particularly over the spring and summer months.

Puzzle Games and Brain Exercises

Finally, mental stimulation is just as valuable as physical and improving and maintaining cognitive function can keep people feeling mentally sharp for longer as well as reducing the risks of things like dementia. Getting involved with crosswords, sudoku, jigsaws and playing memory games are all ideal for taking up with a loved one, providing great social interaction as well as stimulating things such as memory, problem solving skills and more.