The rule to exercise and stay as active as possible for the best health applies to older adults as well! But for those struggling with arthritis, the pain can create a barrier to maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness.
The good news is, the most recent recommendations ease back on the intensity of activity for elderly people with arthritis, indicating that as little as 45 minutes of physical exercise each week is enough to realize and keep a high level of functionality – and much less intimidating for individuals who are likely to shy away from exercise when they have arthritis.
As stated by Northwestern University professor Dorothy Dunlop, “For those older people suffering from arthritis who are minimally active, a 45-minute minimum might feel more realistic.”
In spite of these scaled-back recommendations, sadly, as few as 10% of seniors battling the challenges of arthritis are accomplishing this level of activity. However, participants in a recent study who accomplished the 45-minute level of moderate activity every week demonstrated an incredible 80% increase in sustained or improved functionality over a 2-year time period, compared with people who were less active. And it was confirmed that even though any amount of activity is preferable to nothing, the 45-minute a week guideline is optimal.
Naturally, always check with the older adult's health care provider prior to starting or changing any activity or fitness routine. With his or her consent, a great place to begin is with the Arthritis Foundation’s app, Walk With Ease, which incorporates goal-setting, progress-tracking, a handbook and sample online videos in order to show the exercises. Putting aside designated times each day for physical activity, and turning it into a top priority, can help ensure activity becomes an ingrained routine and increases the possibility of its success.
You can also partner with Independence-4-Seniors Home Care in Hinsdale for a professional caregiver to help motivate and motivate engagement in an exercise regimen for seniors. It’s always more fun with a companion! We can also provide transportation and accompaniment to exercise programs, to parks as well as other outdoor locations for pleasant walks together, to doctors’ appointments, and more. Call us at (630) 323-4665to learn more.