There are several benefits to walking, and this is especially true for the elderly. Walking for 30 minutes a day may help you stay healthy and active while preventing you from becoming sedentary. There’s a good probability that this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for to get your elderly parents walking more. The risk of developing chronic illnesses increases as you get older, and walking is a fantastic way to improve your overall health. If you are worried that your elderly loved one isn’t following an active routine, it’s time to turn to in-home care to help them out.
Not all adults or elderly adults live active lifestyles, which can lead to negative consequences. No matter your age, it is crucial to keep moving and live as actively as possible. In-home care can help your seniors establish a daily walking regimen that increases their heart rate and blood flow. These professionals can help with many things, from accompanying your seniors on their walks to providing transportation to regular doctor visits.
Here are a few of the many issues that can arise if your senior is too sedentary:
Risk of Spine and Joint Problems
Sedentary lifestyles frequently include a lack of attention to proper posture and the consumption of foods that aggravate inflammation and impair blood flow. Spinal and joint discomfort may be caused by habits such as these. Additionally, a lack of weight-bearing exercise raises the risk of elders developing illnesses such as:
- Spinal disc injury
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal arthritis
- Other bone/joint-related diseases
- Joint degeneration
- Professional caregivers may step in when you need a break from helping your loved one exercise.
Insufficient Oxygenation to Brain Causing Brain Fog
As a result of a lack of physical exercise, muscles may be unable to perform at their best. It takes longer for the body to mend itself when circulation and oxygenation are compromised. In addition, a decrease in the amount of oxygen given to the brain may increase the risk of “brain fog” or other cognitive deficits in the elderly.
Muscle Weakness and Muscle Loss
Maintaining healthy and powerful skeletal muscles requires frequent exercise. Having weak muscles may have an effect on practically every region of the body in an elderly person. Weak, soft tissues may lead to an increased risk of:
- Sprains or strains
- A weakening heart muscle and accompanying heart tissues (edema)
- Tissue swelling in specific areas of the body owing to fluid leaks from blood vessels
- Mobility loss
- Loss of flexibility and range of motion
- Losing muscle naturally happens, but there are ways to retain some of that muscle to help stabilize a senior’s body.
- Higher Risk of Depression
People with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to suffer from emotional problems, including sadness, tension, and anxiety. Seniors’ views on life may be negatively impacted by a lack of physical activity, which can have a bad influence on their mental health.