Movement is one of the best ways to manage chronic pain, and there are a lot of seniors who are living with this condition. Some studies estimate that 75% of seniors or more live with pain most of the time. Medications can help alleviate some of the pain, but those medications can have side effects. They can also interact with some of the medications that your senior loved one is already taking. Movement helps seniors by minimizing or getting rid of senior pain. But what exercise can seniors do if they’re already in pain? There are actually quite a few exercises that are great for seniors who have chronic pain:

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a martial art that is done very slowly with precise movements that are designed to increase flexibility and strength. It’s a great exercise for seniors because of the pace and because of the many benefits it offers. If you look you may be able to find a Tai Chi class offered a local senior’s center or find a local group that practices in a park or outdoors. Talk to your senior loved one to see if they’d be interested in this fun activity.

Walking

Walking is really one of the best things that seniors can do for good health. It’s easy to do. It doesn’t require a lot of equipment. And almost anyone can do it. The benefits of walking are substantial and one of those benefits is less pain. If you can’t walk with your senior loved one most days a senior home care provider can take your senior out walking each day to make sure that your parent is getting the activity they need to feel better.

Swimming

Swimming, like walking, is one of the most recommended exercises for seniors. Swimming is a low impact cardio activity that won’t hurt your senior loved one’s knees or feet because there’s no impact. A senior home care provider can help your senior loved one get to the gym or the public pool for swimming laps or for senior water aerobics classes that are paced perfect for seniors who are trying to stay fit.

Strength Training

Strength training is an activity that more benefits for seniors than people realize. Strength training is something that seniors can do at home but it’s a good workout. It will help seniors hang onto the muscle that they have and increase their strength. More strength means more freedom of movement. And that means less chronic pain for seniors.

Yoga

Yoga movements that are adapted for seniors can also help seniors build strength and maintain flexibility. Often senior centers and other places that hold events for seniors have yoga classes that are specifically designed with the needs of seniors in mind. Senior yoga classes can also help seniors manage stress and learn to meditate. Reducing stress can help reduce chronic pain so taking a yoga class could have multiple benefits for your senior loved one.

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/exercises-to-reduce-chronic-pain

If you are considering senior care in Parchment, MI, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care at (269) 329-4717. We are here to help!

• Author
• Recent Posts

Shelly Nutter

Area Vice President at Fresh Perspective Home Care

Shelly Nutter has been a driving force in the Fresh Perspective Home Care team since 2008 and is currently the Area Vice President. She began caring for others at a young age and has never looked back. Her strong faith and family values drives her passion for helping others. Shelly says she never found a career that fulfilled a "bigger purpose" her previous jobs until begin her home care career with Fresh Perspective Home Care. "Here I found growth, purpose, and a career to match my personal ambition of making a difference in the lives of others." Shelly is native to the Kalamazoo/Portage, Mi area and has been married for over 25 years Together they have three children that she believes have benefited from watching Mom work hard to help others, advocate for others, and give to others. She also holds a bachelors degree in Accounting and an associates degree in Business Management.

Latest posts by Shelly Nutter (see all)

• Six Engaging Activities for Seniors and Caregivers To Try - April 25, 2024
• Five Ways to Make Long-distance Caregiving Easier on Mother’s Day - April 11, 2024
• Navigating Hospital Stays: A Guide for Seniors and Loved Ones - March 26, 2024