Exercise and Older Adults

As most of us already know physical activity and exercise are important to both your physical and mental health. That being said there are tremendous benefits for older people who exercise. Continuous physical activity can also produce long- term benefits and many experts suggest that older adults who remain active also maintain their optimal health. Some of you may be reading this wondering what activities can do to stay healthy and for others this may be the time to start an exercise game plan.

First, you need to know what your limits are. Second, ease into your new exercise routine. Decide how often you want to exercise, whether it be once a day or maybe just certain days of the week. There are 4 main categories of physical activity: Endurance, Strength, Balance and Flexibility. For the most part most exercises fit into more than one category.

Endurance:
These are activities that increase your heart rate and breathing. Increasing your heart rate and breathing help to condition your body and may lower your risk of heart attack while increasing the strength of your lungs. You may try taking a brisk walk or taking the stairs whenever possible. If you are looking to build your physical endurance try taking a dance or aerobics class, some of these classes may be offered at your local senior center. Biking and swimming are 2 other ways to build up your endurance.

Strength:
By increasing your strength may also ensure that as you age you will still be able to carry your own groceries as you get older. To do this you can try lifting light weights.

Balance:
If you are concerned about your balance you might want to learn Tai Chi or even practice heel to toe walking.

Flexibility:
As with all exercises and especially before physical activity always stretch to increase your flexibility and to prevent injuries.

Remember that even though physical exercise is important it is also important to know your physical limits before beginning an exercise routine.

Here at ACS we are commited to educating the community on the service we provide. We understand that many of those in need of care don't really know where to start in terms of searching. For some of you it is a shock to know your loved one is in need of such care and for others it is something you knew you would need eventually.

Although it is difficult for us to accept we must remember that those that are in need of homecare have a sense of loss that is often troubling to accept. They are afraid to leave everything familiar behind along with losing their sense of independence.It is important that at such a difficult time in one's life they understand moving away from home isn't the only option. By having a caregiver to supervise and assist them with everyday tasks in their home they don't have to succumb to a nursing home.

If this is your first time looking into homecare you should understand some of the benefits. Take the following into consideration:

It's Simple:
ACS is here to meet your specific needs. Together we can work out a schedule and a list of duties that you need performed. You decide if you want light housekeeping, bath assistance, meals, etc. performed everyday and you even choose the shifts you need worked. Once we have that information we will be able to place you with a caregiver.

The transition is easy:
The true benefit is that your caregiver comes to you! There is no need to drive yourself or your loved one anywhere. You'll also have a companion around who you can talk and share stories with.

The price is reasonable:
ACS was founded to provide quality, affordable, non-medical homecare for seniors! Keeping costs down is what we are here to do! It is our mission to improve their quality of life by providing them the best service at the best price.

Homecare provides family members with the PEACE OF MIND that their loved one is in the hands of a qualified individual.