Seniors with Parkinson’s should exercise regularly to keep their muscles strong. Working out also increases flexibility, balance, and motor coordination. The following six exercises can help older adults address the symptoms of Parkinson’s better.
1. Hand Workouts
Hand exercises that involve finger and wrist movements often help aging adults enhance their fine motor skills and manual dexterity. Along with building strength in the wrists, hands, and arms, doing regular hand exercises can also help seniors carry out daily tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing a list more easily.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Reston families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Tai Chi
Tai chi involves deep breathing techniques and stretching movements that increase balance, mobility, stability, and posture. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that seniors with mild Parkinson’s disease who did tai chi experienced substantially fewer falls and slower rates of deterioration in overall motor control.
3. Boxing
The basics of boxing include quick movements, focus, and aerobic exercise, which can all help aging adults manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Boxing may also help seniors decrease tremors in their hands, move better, and feel more energetic.
4. Walking
Taking regular walks in nature helps older adults enhance their mobility, clear their heads, and increase their balance. Seniors with Parkinson’s often experience freezing spells and tremors, which is why it’s necessary to go for walks with a friend or caregiver.
Older adults who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Homecare services experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
5. Water Exercises
Going swimming or participating in water aerobics helps aging adults with Parkinson’s increase their muscle strength and balance. Daily water workouts can also increase range of motion and reduce pain and stiffness. When in a pool, a senior with Parkinson’s should stay close to a wall or safety rail for added security.
6. Yoga
Loss of balance is a common symptom of Parkinson’s, and it can make even the easiest task quite difficult. Performing yoga helps older adults increase their balance and build their back and abdominal strength over time. According to a study conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center, practicing yoga may reduce tremors and increase gait stability.
Caring for older adults with serious health issues can be a challenging task that puts caregivers at risk for burnout. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Reston, VA, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
