Gentle frequent exercise helps not only your body but also your mind.Â
Exercise decreases stress and anxiety which then in turn helps you to sleep better. For older people, strength and balance exercises are particularly important as muscle strength starts to decline. If you struggle to leave home, it doesn’t mean you have to stop moving. It’s really important to use movement and activity as a way of breaking up your routine, if you feel well enough. Cook, play active games, dance, or go into the garden if you can.
Here are a few exercises to try at home
- Chair tricep dips: Sit on the edge of a chair holding onto the front with your hands. Place your feet out in front of you (bent legs for easier option or straight legs to make it harder) and lower your elbows to a 90-degree angle before pushing back up.
- Table top press ups: Incline press ups can be done anywhere around the home – on a table, a bed, a chair or even a wall. To use a table, place your hands on the table with your legs stretched out behind you, body nice and straight. Lower your weight down keeping your elbows tight to your body, and press back up.
- Living room wall sits: find a wall with a big enough space for you to lean on. Sit against the wall like you would in a chair with your legs at 90 degrees, and hold. Give it time and you’ll soon feel the burn!
- Milk bottle Russian twists: Sit on the floor holding a milk bottle (or any bottle with liquid in). Lean back with a straight back and engage your core. Rotate your torso and try to touch the floor each side with the milk bottle. Make it harder by lifting your feet off the floor.
Most importantly, try to stay calm and follow the advice from your health advisors and remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too.
Read our other blogs here for tips, tricks and insights.
With a background spanning over two decades in the field of marketing, I have had the privilege of working across diverse industries, ranging from insurance to sports, technology, and health & well-being.
While my previous experience did not directly involve care services, I have acquired a deep understanding of the sector’s needs and challenges through my wife. For the past eight years, she has been dedicated to providing the highest level of support to her clients as a compassionate caregiver.
Witnessing the profound impact that committed caregivers have on their clients’ lives when the opportunity arose to join the esteemed team at Unique Senior Care, it was an easy decision for me to make.
During my free time, you may find me leisurely strolling across fields with a metal detector in hand, eagerly exploring the possibility of unearthing hidden treasures. Alternatively, I love nothing better than making the most of our National Trust membership and cherishing precious moments spent with my family.
I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of the Unique Senior Care team, where I can bring my expertise to the table and share a sincere passion for enhancing the lives of those we serve.
