Parkinson’s disease also often classified as a type of movement disorder, can negatively impair an aging adult’s ability to move around effectively and safely. One method to reduce movement impairment related to the condition is by keeping the muscles that aid in coordination as strong and healthy as possible. Here are some of the top coordination exercises that help older adults with Parkinson’s.

Yoga or Tai Chi

Disciplines like tai chi and yoga can help your aging loved one suffering from Parkinson’s to improve their coordination through movements that target the core muscle groups used on a daily basis. Since the associated movements are relatively controlled and slow, the stimulation derived is not overly stressful or strenuous for your aging loved one.

Balance Exercises

Older adults with Parkinson’s disease usually have balance difficulties that worsen their stability and coordination. Seated reaching exercises, back leg raises, and single-leg stances are some of the multitudes of balance exercises that they can do to improve coordination. Do encourage your loved one to regularly commit about 30 minutes in each session of every exercise.

Walking

Walking is one of the easiest and effective ways of doing exercise which can enhance coordination and stability. It can also be done at any pace at which your loved one is comfortable. While walking, the arms tend to naturally swing one after another. This is beneficial as it helps to keep the related parts of the body moving together and remaining in sync. There are also several other types of benefits including increasing circulation in legs and feet, strengthening trunk, lumbar, and core, and making muscles in the thighs and legs stronger.

Strength Training

Strength training can help your loved one to maintain the required muscle mass for balance and coordination. Such strength training typically involves weights, gym equipment, the adult’s own body weight and household items that make up a makeshift weight. What’s good about this training is that the targeted muscle groups that are involved in flexibility, range of motion, and coordination can be trained equally.

Aquatic Exercises

If your aging loved one is displaying early symptoms of balancing and coordinating difficulties, they might benefit significantly from aquatic exercise as the water’s natural buoyancy can relieve stress on painful joints and bones. There is also adequate resistance within the water for a gentle yet effective workout, hence enhancing posture, muscle tone and balance for your aging loved one. While taking part in a heated pool, such exercises can enhance blood circulation as well as stimulate the weaker and less used muscles. Some of the water-based activities can include water aerobics, water walking, and swimming. If your loved one is unable to float or swim well, there are many water aids available like flotation devices that can assist in increasing stability in the water.

Live Actively at Discovery Commons At Bradenton

Here at Discovery Commons At Bradenton, our Dimensions Health & Fitness program focuses heavily on living healthily across several aspects of life. If your loved one or you require assistance with daily living activities, our Wellness And Therapy Service is an ideal solution. The program caters to residents who are recovering from a stroke, injuries, dementia, and even Parkinson’s disease.