Staying active is important for all of us, and it doesn’t stop being important as we age. In fact, in many ways, an active lifestyle is even more important after retirement years. Before their 70’s, many people stay active without really thinking about it. They chase after children, work in an office that has stairs, or run errands all around town all day.
But as your loved one has aged, she might have found that she needs to be more intentional about being active. One great way to have regular exercise is to join a swimming club, where your loved one can swim supervised each day, or at least several times a week. If she doesn’t have one in her immediate community, have her companion care at home provider help with transportation to and from a location that has swimming activities that are created especially for seniors. Her companion care at home provider can also help with getting her ready to go in the pool and shower off after if needed. Not to mention, a companion care at home provider can be a great cheerleader from the sidelines.
The benefits of swimming are plentiful. Here are four key areas that your loved one will benefit from with a regular swim exercise routine.
Improved Stability
Are you worried about your loved one falling when she is at home? Swimming can help. Because swimming builds muscles in the core, upper body, and legs, your loved one will feel more stable when she’s climbing stairs or navigating rough ground. The strength she builds will directly improve her posture and stability.
A Stronger Heart
Swimming is a cardiovascular exercise that is “easy” to do. Unlike many other cardiovascular exercises that can cause a person to get overheated or possibly fall and injure themselves, swimming provides a nice buoyant environment that allows your loved one to get a good workout without feeling like she’s overdoing it. Because swimming is so pleasant, many people are likely to swim for a lot longer than they would ride a bike or go on a brisk walk. Tell your loved one to just keep swimming to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A Sharper Mind
Swimming also improves cognitive function. By simply stepping into a large pool of water, blood flow to the brain is increased. Increased blood flow means the brain will be able to function better with tasks like memory, problem-solving, and concentration. Swimming can also greatly reduce stress, which can harm brain function.
Increased Flexibility
If your loved one complains to her companion care at home provider about being stiff every morning, she might want to take up swimming. Because water helps support the body as it moves, muscles are able to extend their range of motion in the water without pain, and thus be more limber and flexible when out of the water as well.
Those are just a few benefits of water exercise like swimming. It’s a great activity for your elderly loved one to try. Most places have classes for all levels.
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