Exercise is an essential part of elderly care, but it’s not always easy come fall and winter. Seniors will have fewer exercise options, and it’s important you help your loved one find new ways to stay healthy. Here are several that build muscle, burn fat, and help your family member maintain their health.

How Seniors Can Stay Active This Fall

1. Water Aerobics

Indoor pools are great places to exercise when seniors want to get out of the house. Swimming works every muscle in your body and is good for your joints because it's low-impact. Additionally, it promotes cardiovascular health, which can prevent heart disease and other health complications. Many pools provide aerobic classes designed to build muscle and improve range of motion, which is an important aspect of elderly care.

2. Yoga

Low-impact options are important for seniors because anaerobic or weight-based exercise can be challenging for them. This is one of the reasons why yoga is so popular. It relies on only body weight to strengthen muscles and also to stretch to improve mobility. Because it's low-impact, it also elevates the heart rate without over-stressing it, ensuring that elderly care workouts aren't too hard. 

3. Weightlifting

Light weightlifting doesn't even require seniors to leave the sofa. Seniors who are inactive in the winter may suffer from poor muscle health. Dumbbells can be used for a variety of exercises even if they are light weights. A home health care professional may be able to spot your loved one if they have joint trouble and need help.

If you or a loved one need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.