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. The process of aging can leave a person dependent on others for the assistance of daily activities, however, it is possible to counter and slow physiological effects of aging through regular physical activities, but it is good to mention that exercise program for the senior population should be individualized to meet the person physical needs this is because this group is categorized as a high-risk group in physical exercises and they need constant monitoring. 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.
One of the ideal exercises senior group can benefit from are aerobics, low to moderate intensity aerobics can improve the cardiovascular system of this population, some of the recommended aerobic activities include walking, hydrodynamics exercises, swimming and cycling it is good to regularly monitor this group when exercising and assess their physiological changes such as heart rate, blood pressure and rating of perceived exertion, this is important to ensure they are exercising within recommended intensity for their safety, where applicable collect the exercise data which you can use to design an improved exercise regimen to ensure progress in their exercise routine which are safe and reliable.
Senior population is also at high risk of experiencing deteriorated and irreversible brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s this condition can also be slowed by keeping the seniors active with ADL and IADL such as walking, cooking, and dancing. You can use highlighted exercises to design a good exercise program for the senior population.
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