May is National Bike Month and it’s also the start of warm weather in many places. It’s the perfect time for seniors and their home care providers who want to try cycling to get out there and exercise on a bike. Bike riding can be a fun way for seniors to get exercise without putting too much stress on their joints.
But what bikes are the best bikes for seniors to ride? Seniors have different needs than other cyclists. Some good bike options that will help seniors ride safely are:
Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes are an excellent choice for seniors who want to strengthen their legs and lower half but don’t have a lot of mobility or muscle in those areas. Walking can put too much strain on the hips and legs of someone who has mobility challenges. But the unique body position of a recumbent bike allows a senior to build muscle where they need it most without additional strain. Recumbent bikes are also a good choice for seniors who have been ill and are trying to build up their core strengths. Putting away a recumbent bike can be a little bit of a challenge but if your senior loved one has home care then the care provider can help them safely put up the bike after a ride.
Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are a fun way for seniors to exercise. If your senior loved one doesn’t have any mobility challenges but just isn’t as spry as they used to be a touring bike might be the perfect option. Touring bikes are sturdier and the frames are heavier. That makes it easier for seniors to balance when they are riding. Touring bikes can also handle more weight than traditional bikes. And because they can be fitted with baskets and bag holders your senior loved one and their home care provider can ride bikes to run errands or go shopping when the weather is nice.
EBikes
Ebikes, or electronic bikes, are a fantastic choice for seniors. They are more expensive than traditional bikes but these bikes are game-changing for seniors. Ebikes have an electric battery that can be used to power the bike if necessary. It allows seniors to ride further and to customize the amount of exercise they are getting when they ride. Seniors who love to ride but run out of strength to power the bike after a short distance can engage the electric motor anytime they feel tired so that they can keep riding but not have to wear themselves out.
Step-Through Bikes
Step-through bikes are a smart choice for seniors because they allow seniors to mount the bike without having to swing their leg over a tall bar. With a step-through bike, seniors only have to lift their foot a few inches and slide it through the bike’s frame in order to get into position to ride. Seniors who have hip or knee problems find that step through bikes make it much easier for them to cycle.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in San Carlos Hills, CA, and the surrounding area, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care.
Call today: (415) 795-2203
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