When an older loved one has a form of dementia, keeping them as happy and healthy as possible is naturally a top priority. Luckily, you can do this through physical activity, since exercise is among the foundations of good health. Here's what you should know about exercise for senior living, especially for loved ones with dementia, to inspire your efforts. 

What Are the Benefits of Physical Activity for Seniors With Dementia?

Regular exercise helps your beloved senior with dementia in several ways. Since physical activity causes the brain to release endorphins, or feel-good chemicals that promote euphoric feelings and relaxation, it can reduce dementia issues such as agitation, confusion, and irritability. Your loved one is more likely to sleep better, which lowers the risk of dementia-centric sleep disruptions and sundowning. The latter issue often causes late-day restlessness and can also interrupt healthy sleep patterns. 

Engaging in routine physical activities additionally helps your elderly loved one maintain strong, healthy bones and muscles to decrease the chance of falls and other injuries. Your beloved senior will also enjoy better flexibility and blood circulation, which can help manage chronic pain issues. 

What Types of Exercises Work Best for Seniors With Dementia? 

The right exercises depend in part on your loved one’s current health and fitness level. Walking is often perfect exercise, since most individuals can do it. Try walking short distances at first and increasing the “workout” by five or 10 minutes per session. Routine walking helps your loved one burn calories, strengthen their heart, ease joint pain, and lower their blood sugar, among other advantages. 

Other ideal senior living exercises for loved ones with dementia include gardening and dancing. Both provide cardiovascular and muscle-toning benefits and are perfect if your loved one enjoyed these activities when they were younger. Dancing to favorite songs and planting preferred flowers can boost your loved one’s cognitive function by triggering memories. 

You can also focus on strength training exercises, such as chair yoga and workouts with light free weights, to help your loved one enjoy good balance and a stronger body overall.

If your loved one with dementia requires more care than you and your family can provide, contact Longhorn Village in Austin, TX. This senior living community provides memory care among many other services that helps older residents thrive. Call (512) 382-4664 today to inquire about memory care services or visit the senior living community online for more information. Like the Facebook page for the latest community news.