The physiological functioning of our body begins to deteriorate after the age of 50, the muscles start to decline at a faster rate, decreased cardiac output, the low metabolic rate among other body physiological changes that prevent the body effective and efficient functioning of day to day activities. Although aging is a natural process and is inevitable, the physiological effects of aging can be slowed down through proper and regular physical activities, it is worth noting the senior population is categorized as a high-risk group, and therefore they need a tailored fitness program that meets individual needs. A good number of seniors need activities that will help them improve basic daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating it is possible to improve these functions with customized exercises, this article outlines some of the physical activities you can use to help address these challenges.
As briefly mentioned most seniors have problems with activities of daily living (ADL) like bathing, feeding, walking, dressing as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) which constitutes cooking, shopping, and other home chores, all this is because of aging which leads to conditions such as arthritis that affects joint flexibility, diabetes, and heart conditions which make them get tired quickly during activities that require the use of energy. To assist the senior population to regain their independence design a tailored exercise program that emphasizes flexibility and targeting small muscle groups such as fingers and palms, this can promote their ADL and IADL considerably if the program is utilized effectively.
Low to moderate aerobic exercises are recommended for this group, such aerobics activities include but not limited to walking, hydrodynamics exercises, swimming, and cycling, it is however recommended to maintain constant monitoring of their heart rate, blood pressure as well as their ratings of perceived exertion to make sure they are safe at all time, where applicable collect and keep their performance data which you can use to adjust, manipulate and improve the exercise program to ensure there is gradual progress on their health goals without putting them on any risks.
Because a good number of senior groups have Alzheimer’s or other degenerative brain conditions, engaging them in ADL and IADL has been established to slow this condition, activities such as walking, dancing, and cooking have been seen quite effective. Those are some exercise for the senior population.