Types Of Exercises For The Elderly

The stereotype of the fitness enthusiast as the young, slender athlete is changing. As more older adults, including the elderly, recognize the importance of physical fitness, a new breed of exercisers is showing up in gyms and community centers. If you are an older person interested in improving your fitness, or have a role caring for an elderly person, a little information can help you make the right choices about exercise.

Walking on a Treadmill

Walking on a treadmill is a good choice for older people. Good treadmills, which according to the American College of Sports Medicine should come equipped with safety balance rails and emergency stop keys to allow users to exercise in comfort, away from the elements. They are usually softer than asphalt or pavement, which helps reduce knee pain, according to Go Ask Alice, a service of Columbia University's health department. Walking on a treadmill also helps promote blood flow and ease pain associated with arthritis, according to Arthritis Today.

Yoga

Yoga might seem a strange choice for older people, but with a few modifications, even those with limited mobility can participate. This is good, because exercises that build flexibility and improve balance, such as yoga, help prevent dangerous falls, which are the leading cause of nonfatal injury and hospitalizations among those older than 65, according to the American Association of Retired Persons. Sarah Ivanhoe, professional yoga teacher and author of "The Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies," recommends using yoga blocks and bands, as well as performing some of the poses seated in a chair.

Strength Training

Strength training is particularly important for older people; it builds bone and muscle mass, can help treat diabetes and arthritis, and, like balance-focused exercises, can help reduce the likelihood of falls, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also reports that strength training can help older people steer clear of depression. Strength training can be done with weights, resistance bands, or the weight of the human body; some exercises, such as leg lifts, can even be done sitting in a chair.

Considerations

Though exercise provides many benefits to older people, care is required. The CDC reports that the elderly often suffer from heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or high blood pressure. These conditions can change how an individual reacts to exercise, and the CDC recommends that anyone who has one or more of these conditions should schedule a visit with his or her physical before beginning any exercise routine.