One problem that seniors tend to encounter is that they suddenly aren’t getting nearly enough physical activity. This is a big issue, especially when the reduced activity levels combine with health problems to further make life challenging for aging adults. Using technology along with other options, like home care services, can help aging adults to become more active, increasing their physical fitness and reducing other health risks.
Physical Activity and Aging
Physical activity is recommended for people of any age, not just older adults. But when people do age, they find that they start to lose muscle tone more easily. This affects balance, coordination, strength, and overall health. If they’re battling health issues, the differences they’re suddenly experiencing might feel even more obvious. Technology can make it easier for aging adults to get the exercise and activity that they need.
Activity Trackers
Activity tracking devices like Fitbits or the Apple Watch give people an easy way to monitor things like their daily steps, how far they’ve walked, and their heart rates and sleep patterns. There is a lot of information that activity trackers can offer up. Aging adults can focus on one or more details that they want to keep track of in order to be healthier and more active. The simplest activity trackers are pedometers. They don’t require charging but they still offer up a lot of information about how active the person wearing the device is.
Fitness Apps and Exercise Programs
There are countless ways for aging adults to access workout routines that are designed specifically for their needs. Between YouTube videos and smartphone applications devoted to health and working out, seniors can try a tremendous range of different types of exercise. As with any exercise program, though, seniors should talk to their doctors about what exercises are right for them before they push themselves too hard.
Exercise Video Games
Interactive video game systems that encourage users to get up and move are more popular than ever before. Seniors can find all sorts of activities that improve balance, increase flexibility, and help to build muscle tone. Some seniors might find these to be a lot of fun to use, especially if they work out with friends remotely. Exercising along with a video game can be a great way to distract from the fact that there is exercise involved.
Adopting New Routines
Adopting new routines, especially around moving more, is not always easy to do. Combining technology with solutions like home care services can give aging adults multiple tools that help them to stick with their plans to be more physically active. Elder care providers can help seniors to not only move more, but to adopt habits like eating healthy meals and getting plenty of rest.
Ultimately, what matters is that aging adults are getting the activity that they need to be getting in a way that supports their other needs. If using technology makes that easier, then family caregivers might want to combine a few different tools. Home care providers, activity trackers, and more can all work together to keep seniors moving.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING HOME CARE IN SANTA CLARA, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969
