Staying as physically active as possible is the best overall tip for keeping senior mobility. Without regular exercise, muscles may easily become weak; this is especially likely to happen to older people. Weight gain may also occur. These conditions tend to limit seniors' range of motion and make regular exercise less likely, even though it would be more necessary to aid in gaining muscle strength and losing weight. Senior mobility can be kept through daily individual exercises and activities as well as by taking part in group exercise sessions.
Many community centers offer classes for seniors that include mobility exercises. Geriatric health mobility classes focus on keeping the aging body fit by strengthening muscles and maintaining proper balance. Lack of balance and weak muscles are often said to be major causes of falls in elderly people. Keeping senior mobility by participating in group sessions may also serve as a social outlet for those who may be lonely or live alone.
Individual exercises such as knee lifts and leg raises can strengthen lower body muscles; this type of strength encourages the maintenance of mobility. Creating a daily routine of these types of exercises plus walking at least three times a week can help maintain senior mobility. Making a habit of sitting all day should be avoided, as this leads to a loss of mobility. On days when an elderly person isn't feeling well, he or she should limit activity yet try to do some walking even indoors for a few minutes to help keep the body limber.
Senior safety while exercising is crucial. Elderly people should take extra caution when exercising alone in case of injury. To help avoid falls, gripping onto the back of a sturdy chair while doing arm and leg lifts is usually a good idea. Arm and leg lifts done while seated in a chair or wheelchair can be the safest kind of mobility exercises for seniors to do alone. Older persons, especially those with health problems, should always get their doctor's permission before becoming involved in any exercise routine.
Water exercises such as aqua aerobics and swimming can be especially beneficial in keeping mobility in the elderly. The water cushions the joints during movements that also work to strengthen and tone muscles. Many community swimming pools offer water classes and swimming sessions with senior mobility in mind.
