5 Reasons Why Exercising is Essential for Seniors During COVID-19

5 Reasons Why Exercising is Essential for Seniors During COVID-19:

1. Promotes an active lifestyle

2. Lessens the risk of diseases, including COVID-19

3. Boosts mood  

4. Improves mental health

5. Enhances cognitive function

We’ve always known the benefits of exercising in our lives--the advantages are endless, especially for seniors. The closing doors of gyms and outdoor facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic limited the chances of seniors indulging in physical activity. Thankfully, there are many ways to exercise at home, and seniors, with the help of caregivers and family members, can still exercise not just to maintain their health, but also to decrease the chance of getting COVID-19. Here are the reasons why exercise is important for seniors especially in this time of pandemic:

• Promotes an active lifestyle

We all know how challenging it is to stay active during the pandemic--and staying indoors also promoted a sedentary lifestyle not just for young adults, but also for our elderly loved ones. Through exercising, seniors can engage in physical activities instead of using mobile phones, sitting, watching television, or just being in bed for too long. Some of the exercises that seniors can do:

• Aerobic exercises: Walking, jogging, swimming

• Flexibility exercises: Stretching, yoga, tai chi

• Strength-training exercises: Arm weights

Exercising doesn’t have to include intensive physical activities only. Depending on one’s physical condition and ability, seniors can also try calming exercises such as breathing exercises. 

Read more: Breathing Exercises for the Seniors

• Lessens the risk of diseases, including COVID-19

Studies have shown that 80% of COVID-19 deaths occurred in people aged 65 years and above--this makes seniors be more likely to get the virus. To avoid the risk of COVID-19, exercising is important to strengthen the immune system of our elderly loved ones. Aside from COVID-19, seniors can also prevent acquiring long-term diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and bone problems.

• Boosts mood

Exercising increases the release of serotonin (A key hormone that stabilizes our mood and feelings, AKA happy hormones). Because of exercise, seniors can release serotonin and other happy hormones that can help them feel better--not just with being happy, but also for having good sleep, increase energy levels, and improve self-esteem.

• Improve mental health

Since exercise helps with the release of feel-good hormones that boosts mood regulation, it’s also known to improve mental health. In fact, exercising makes mental health better by lessening depression and anxiety--both common problems for seniors, especially those who choose to be alone and isolated. Physical activity such as exercising can help seniors to reduce mood swings, difficulty in sleeping, and having a bad memory. 

• Enhances cognitive function

While it’s shown that exercising helps young adults to increase brain power, the same thing also happens to seniors. Exercising increases the size of the hippocampus (part of the brain responsible for learning and emotion)--improving our ability to think and memorize. This helps especially to our elderly loved ones diagnosed with dementia. Exercising for young adults can also reduce the chances of developing dementia, improving the mind in all aspects.

How can seniors exercise at home during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Watch workout videos online

The closed doors of gyms and wellness facilities during the pandemic truly limited everyone’s exercising activities--including seniors. Thankfully, workout videos are widely available in a few clicks! You can watch several workout videos online and exercise in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing yoga session during the morning or a refueling Zumba dance in the afternoon, the internet is your best friend!

• Use mobile fitness applications to track your progress

The fame of fitness applications grew by 46% during the COVID-19 pandemic--and continues to do so in the present. You can now download apps that have specialized workout programs that can suit your needs. Additionally, these applications also help in keeping track of your workout journey by providing recorded data on your progress. 

• Improvise exercise equipment at home

If there’s one thing that we all learned during the pandemic, it is the ability to improvise alternatives despite the limitations of just staying at home--that includes workout equipment. While some people choose to buy exercise equipment online and have it delivered to their homes, others stick to DIY-ing. In the same way, seniors can also use alternative exercise equipment such as water bottles, laundry detergent jugs, and more. Also, who says the stairs are not a piece of exercise equipment? Get your heart pumping by simply walking or running up and down the stairs (Don’t forget to be careful!)

• Take advantage of telemedicine

Exercising has all the benefits both physically and mentally--but consulting with a doctor is always a must. For seniors, it’s important to consider your current physical condition before engaging in any type of physical activity. With your doctor’s advice, it will be easier to know what kind of exercise is good for you, and what you should avoid beforehand. It’s also essential to know the ideal food intake during exercises, so make sure to always consult your doctor!

Here at Elegant Care Villa, we provide personalized care services to your elderly loved ones. Whether they want to get back on track by participating in different leisure activities or just need someone for companionship, our compassionate care team is here. Connect with us today to know more!