Many older adults are starting to work out at home to keep up with a healthy routine even as they age. The fact is that having a healthy lifestyle is key to ensuring mobility, independence, and even a better mood in your daily life.
However, choosing appropriate exercise equipment that is easy to use, safe, and enjoyable for the elderly can be a tough task. Here at Discovery Commons At Bradenton, we understand that wellness is important in all aspects of life. This is why our professionals in our Dimensions Health & Wellness program are sharing a list of the best home exercise equipment that the elderly can use to support them in their fitness journey.
Wrist and Ankle Weights
This is a versatile, cost-efficient, and convenient piece of equipment that you can add to any of your existing workouts. Not only do they come in a variety of colors, weights, and shapes, but they also take up very little space in your home. Whether you are going for a walk or doing a dedicated body strength-building day, they are perfect for adding that little bit of weight to make your exercises that much more challenging.
Yoga Mat
You might think that a yoga mat is equivalent to any old bath towel or linen mat, but it really isn’t the same. Yoga mats are also known as sticky mats because they provide greater traction and cushioning during your workouts. Depending on the material that you opt for, a yoga mat can make sure that you have a better grip during your exercises for a safer time. When you are done, simply roll it up and store it somewhere dry. This is especially helpful for the elderly as it can ensure greater levels of safety when exercising. Unlike working out on bath towels or directly on your room floor, the mat will not start to feel slippery even when you are dripping in sweat. This can prevent falls as well as boost hygiene levels.
Stability or Bosu Ball
For older adults, retaining as much of their sense of stability and balance is more important than ever. This is because as we grow older, our bone mineral density decreases, and this makes us more prone to serious fractures if we fall. When each fall carries higher stakes, it is then quite obvious why balance exercises are more important.
Stability balls are perfect for this, even just replacing your desk chair with a stability ball can help with improving your sense of balance. However, it can seem intimidating for first-timers, especially if you live alone. An alternative is a Bosu ball which is a hemisphere attached to a fixed and rigid platform. This provides a greater peace of mind that the surface will not roll away as you are carrying out your set.
Before you start buying every piece of equipment on this list, it is important to consider the safety of your arrangement. If this is your first time working out and you are living alone, it would be best to keep a family member or loved one informed in case of any accident.
If you would prefer to live, practice healthy, wellness habits, and spend more time with other adults in a holistic community, it might also be feasible to consider a placement at a senior living community where you can get access to individualized wellness and medical recommendations amongst other services. To find out more about what our team at Discovery Commons At Bradenton can do for you and your loved ones, contact us today!
