Why are Physical Activities Important for Seniors?

Physical activities can help people stay active in their senior years,too. Conditions that naturally develop in the senior years can be delayed if a person stays fit and energetic. But, it’s important to consult your doctor before starting any exercise program and perform only those exercises which they advise. Often there are just a few that they advise the elderly to stay away from.

Physical activities can help seniors in the following ways:

Help make the heart strong: One vital element of aging is heart health. Regular physical activities help to keep the heart muscle in good shape and can defend against common cardiac problems. Physical activities,even at a light intensity,can help a lot. Also, exercising can improve blood pressure in some people with hypertension.

  

Improve mobility: Usually many seniors tend lose their balance and coordination as they grow older. Staying physically active helps keep the body limber and maintain coordination. There are several exercises, such as yoga, chair stands, and Tai Chi, that can help decrease the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis by increasing the bone density and helping you control body weight. 

Help controlling Diabetes: This disease has no visual symptoms in its early stage, which makes it hard to spot, yet it causes a countless health related issues. It can result in a loss of vision, a higher risk of infection,poor wound healing, and a higher risk for heart disease. Exercising regularly can help lower blood sugar levels. Even low intensity exercises, such as walking, if done regularly, can help a lot.

Improve mental health: As you grow older, your memory may not be as sharp as it once was. Exercise can help improve mental focus and also help reduce symptoms of depression. The additional benefit is that it also helps reducing the risk of dementia.

Improve overall quality of life: Following a healthy lifestyle with proper physical exercises can help improve the overall quality of life. 

If you need any help regarding senior care, contact Always Best Care. They are one of the top Home Health Care Providers In Vancouver. For more information about their care services, call them today at (778) 945-3010.

Falls in the Elderly

Falls in the elderly area serious concern. Falls are one of the primary causes of injuries in the elderly, including head injuries, soft tissue injuries, fractures, muscle breakdown, pressure sores and even kidney damage. The incident of an initial fall can trigger fears of experiencing further falls. This might result in limited mobility and a loss of independence in seniors. 

Major causes of senior falls

There are several reasons why seniors are more likely to have a fall, but the main reasons include the following:

• Chronic health conditions, such as dementia, heart disease and hypotension, which can cause dizziness.
• Impairments, such as poor vision or weak muscles.
• Illnesses can greatly affect balance and flexibility, such as labyrinthitis, Acoustic neuroma, and even a head cold can dizziness and vertigo.
• Lack of exercise, which is the main cause of immobility.
• Side effects of certain medications can also upset your body balance.

Other causes include:

•    Improper foot wear
•     Incorrect use of walking aids
•     Improper lighting in the house
•    Uneven floor and clutter

What works?

Learning some fall prevention tips is essential for the older adults to keep themselves safe. Here are some prevention tips seniors should be aware of: 

• Make sure that the home is as safe as possible. Be sure it is well lit, night bulbs are installed in the kitchen, bathrooms and other places travelled in the late evening, and that grab bars are installed properly in the bathrooms.
• Avoid wearing loose clothes. 
•  Exercise is really important to avoid falls. There should be a proper routine of exercising so that flexibility, balance and coordination are maintained and there is a smaller risk of falling due to such issues.
• Maintain your blood pressure.
• Visit your doctor for regular eye checkups.

For any help regarding senior care, contact Always Best Care. They are a senior care firm that has been helping seniors and their families by providing excellent Senior Care Solutions In Vancouver. To learn more about their services, feel free to call (778) 945-3010.