An expert says that amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential for seniors living at home to find safe and effective ways to exercise in order to maintain their activity and health.
Exercising at home can help strengthen muscles, improve balance, increase blood flow to the heart, boost the immune system, and reduce stress, according to Samer Cook, associate professor of kinesiology and senior fitness expert at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Cook added: "People in their twenties and thirties often set health goals like running marathons or losing weight, but as they age, they reach a turning point where their priorities shift towards maintaining health—not necessarily for sports or appearance, but to enhance their ability to perform daily activities."
In fact, inactivity and constant laziness can exacerbate various health issues, so health experts recommend that seniors find ways to engage in additional exercise beyond their usual daily activities. Cook added: "My goal is to keep seniors as independent as possible as they age. While most seniors find themselves not going out much these days, it is important for them to know that there are still plenty of ways to stay healthy at home without needing to go to gyms."
It is also worth noting that the first thing seniors should do is talk to their doctor about any exercise plan they wish to follow to ensure it is safe and effective for them. Cook advised that seniors should focus on low-impact exercises that help enhance and maintain balance, flexibility, and strength.
To do this, Cook recommends that seniors walk with friends while ensuring adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as wearing protective masks and maintaining social distancing, or attend exercise classes online or via Zoom. In addition to physical benefits, exercising with others outdoors or through online classes can help alleviate the social isolation that seniors may experience during the pandemic.
Cook also stated that it is extremely important for seniors to start exercising slowly, cautiously, and gradually to avoid injury and boredom. Overall, physical activity is safe and healthy for seniors and can help manage many critical health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
