Depression is quite common in the elderly. If you are concerned that your parent is becoming depressed, there are many things that might help them to move out of that mindset. One of the things that have been shown to help the elderly to have a more positive mindset is exercise routines. If your parent does not yet have an exercise routine, now is the time to help them get into one. There are many ways that this type of routine can help your aging parent.
Elder Care Syracuse NY – How Will Exercise Routines Help Your Aging Parent?
Improved Immune Functioning
One of the benefits of a regular exercise routine for your aging parent would be improved immune functioning. Building a strong, healthy body will help to fight infections and reduce the risk of infections too. When sticking to a regular exercise routine, your aging parent can increase their energy and recover from illnesses quicker, as well.
Improved Cardiovascular and Respiratory Functioning
When your parent has a regular exercise routine, they have a lower risk of having cardiovascular or respiratory issues. In fact, regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and build stronger lungs, too. If you want to help improve your parent’s health and reduce the risk of these issues, get them exercising, starting today.
Stronger Bones
Weaker bones happen as one gets older, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Regular exercise routines can help your aging parent to build stronger bones. Exercise also helps with the prevention of bone loss, so your parent’s bones can stay strong. With stronger bones, your parent has a lower chance of getting osteoporosis, as well. They also have a lower chance of falling.
Improved Functioning of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Stomach issues commonly happen when someone is dormant. If your aging parent isn’t moving around much, they may be more likely to experience constipation or other related bowel issues. However, if you can get them into a regular exercise routine, you can help to improve the function of their gastrointestinal tract.
Reduced Chance of Alzheimer’s Disease
If you want to help reduce the chance that your aging parent will get Alzheimer’s disease, a regular exercise routine is something that will help them out. Research shows that exercise improves brain functioning and focus. With more of both these things, your aging parent has less of a chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease in the first place. If they are already on the track to having this disease, exercising can help to slow down the progression of the disease or relieve some of the symptoms of the disease, too.
Getting your parents to exercise regularly can be a great thing. However, if you have other things on your plate it can be tough. You can always hire an elder care provider to help you get your parents moving.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/olderad.htm
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c1d9/f5194ab27e73f7d2dd0381ce690eca457107.pdf
