It’s important for seniors to stay physically active as it provides health benefits in a variety of ways. Seniors who exercise often have improved strength, mobility and coordination as well as better healing capabilities. Engaging in regular exercise and activity can also slow down the process of mental decline.

For a senior that has arthritis, exercising and staying active could prove to be a challenging task. However, it’s not impossible. So, help your elderly loved one get active! Here are three types of arthritis friendly exercises that any senior can do!

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises builds muscle which supports joints. This is especially beneficial for seniors who experience joint inflammation that causes stiffness and pain. Here are some good strengthening exercises for seniors to try:

• Backward leg lifts
• Chair Squats
• Bridges
• Side Leg Raises

Stretching Exercises

Improving range of motion and joint flexibility can aid in arthritis pain relief. It only takes a few minutes of stretching to warm up muscles and joints. It’s common for seniors with arthritis to wake up with stiff joints and pain so morning tends to be the most difficult time of day for seniors to get their body moving. Stretching first thing can help seniors stay limber and flexible. Get their day off to a great start with these 4 simple morning stretch exercises:

• Calf Stretch
• Hamstring Stretch
• Quad Stretch
• Hip Stretch

Cardio Activity

Just taking 20 to 30 minutes each day to engage in low-impact cardio activity can help seniors build a strong heart , increase vitality as well as maintain a healthy weight. All these cardio benefits have an impact and play a role in relieving arthritis joint pain. Not only will cardio activity help seniors move better, they will feel better too! Seniors will love participating in these 4 fun and low-impact cardio activities:

• Walking
• Elliptical Machines
• Water Aerobics
• Dancing

Exercise and staying active can improve all aspects of a senior’s life. Try getting your elderly loved one involved in any of the above activities within a group. Not only will they get the benefits of exercise, they will have an opportunity to build social relationships and have social interaction with others.

The Arbors Assisted Living is a community that encourages elders to stay active and enjoy their senior years to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about The Arbors Assisted Living Community.