As we grow old we start losing our functioning capability, this is associated to decline of body physiological functioning that leads to loss of body muscle mass, low metabolism decreased cardiac output among other vital functionalities the consequence is the inability to efficiently perform physical activities which continues to decline as your age advances. It is impossible to stop aging, what we can do is to slow the physiological effects associated with aging by participating in regular physical activities, it is good to note when you are designing exercise regimen for senior populations, that is people 70 years and above customize the program to individual needs because this group is categorized as a high-risk group and some physical activities may be contradicted for seniors. A good number of seniors need activities that will help them improve basic daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating it is possible to improve these functions with customized exercises, this article outlines some of the physical activities you can use to help address these challenges.
As briefly mentioned most seniors have problems with activities of daily living (ADL) like bathing, feeding, walking, dressing as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) which constitutes cooking, shopping, and other home chores, all this is because of aging which leads to conditions such as arthritis that affects joint flexibility, diabetes, and heart conditions which make them get tired quickly during activities that require the use of energy. To assist the senior population to regain their independence design a tailored exercise program that emphasizes flexibility and targeting small muscle groups such as fingers and palms, this can promote their ADL and IADL considerably if the program is utilized effectively.
Low to moderate aerobic exercises are recommended for this group, such aerobics activities include but not limited to walking, hydrodynamics exercises, swimming, and cycling, it is however recommended to maintain constant monitoring of their heart rate, blood pressure as well as their ratings of perceived exertion to make sure they are safe at all time, where applicable collect and keep their performance data which you can use to adjust, manipulate and improve the exercise program to ensure there is gradual progress on their health goals without putting them on any risks.
Senior population is also at high risk of experiencing deteriorated and irreversible brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s this condition can also be slowed by keeping the seniors active with ADL and IADL such as walking, cooking, and dancing. Those are some exercise for the senior population.