It’s common knowledge that physical activity is a key part of preserving general health and well-being as the years pass by, but what may have worked in the past might not be available for seniors when they reach a certain age. For instance, mobility issues might make it harder for them to keep up with the walking club they once enjoyed, or budget constraints might require them to look for activities they can do at home.

The good news is that seniors can get a good workout by adding resistance training to their routine, and it’s something that can easily be done at home, even if challenges stand in their way. Additionally, home care providers can monitor their form to make sure they’re not harming themselves, as well as encourage them to work out for a few minutes each day.

What Is Resistance Training?

Resistance training involves applying resistance to muscular contractions to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Exercises with free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, or even body weight can accomplish this.

Resistance bands are the best way for many seniors to work out this way, as they are relatively inexpensive and don’t take up much room. In addition, it’s easy to find resistance band workouts geared toward their age group online.

If seniors struggle with technology, loved ones or home care providers can help them find suitable workouts.

How Does Resistance Training with Home Care Support Benefit Seniors?

Of course, each senior’s situation is different, but some of the common ways resistance training can benefit seniors include the following:

Preserving Muscle Mass

Sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle mass with age, decreases strength and mobility. Resistance training increases muscle tone and strength, promotes muscle growth, and helps offset this loss.

Enhancing Bone Health

Seniors frequently suffer from osteoporosis, a disorder that causes their bones to deteriorate and fracture easily. Resistance training can help build more bone density and lower the risk of fractures.

Improving Joint Function

Strong muscles lower seniors’ vulnerability to stiffness and pain by supporting and shielding their joints. Resistance training, done correctly with the help of home care providers, can increase the range of motion and joint stability, which will facilitate and ease daily activities.

Increasing Metabolism

This benefit is two-fold, as increasing metabolism also helps seniors maintain a healthy weight. Even when at rest, muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, which can help with energy levels and weight management.

Improving Balance and Coordination

Resistance training can help with balance and coordination by activating the core muscles. The core is essential to avoiding falls, which are a major worry for many seniors, loved ones, and their home care staff.

Encouraging Mental Health

Resistance training, along with other forms of exercise, releases endorphins, which have the potential to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It also raises self-esteem and gives seniors a feeling of accomplishment.

Including resistance training in a senior’s exercise program has several advantages that improve general health and vitality. Home care professionals can explore resistance training with seniors, pointing out the benefits to see if they might like to try it. However, before trying any new workout, seniors should get approval from their medical team.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Berkeley, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400

Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.

Sources:

• https://www.moveitorloseit.co.uk/the-benefits-of-resistance-bands-vs-weights-for-older-adults
• https://keepingstrong.co.uk/the-effect-of-resistance-training-on-mental-health-in-older-adults/
• https://www.fitfixnow.com/pages/best-resistance-training-exercises-for-older-adults-fitfixnow

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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