Occupational therapy plays a recuperative role in helping individuals learn how to function in everyday life with a disability or after injury or illness. Chair exercises for the elderly concentrate on gently restoring the ability to perform work-related, recreation and daily living tasks more successfully. Consult with your doctor first if you are planning to engage in occupational therapy, since not all exercises may be suitable for your condition.
Finger Grip
Having a strong finger grip plays a key role in picking up small items and holding writing utensils. Occupational therapy chair exercises for the elderly can concentrate on improving finger grip by using a spring clothes pin as an exercise tool. While sitting in a firm chair, feet shoulder-width apart, place a clothes pin between your right thumb and index finger. Do a thumb abduction flexibility exercise by squeezing the pin as far closed as possible. Release the pressure and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do the exercise again with your left hand.
Dressing Abilities
Occupational therapy exercises for the elderly can work on improving the ability to perform daily living tasks such as putting on pants and dressing after hip replacement surgery. Improving your hip flexibility helps protect your new hip. Work on restoring hip flexion by doing hip-to-knee exercises that stretch out the hamstrings and lower back. Sit upright in a firm chair. Slowly bring your right knee to your chest. Place your hands behind your knee to increase the stretch. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds, then slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times, and do the exercise with your left leg.
Upper Body Strength
Chair exercises can help individuals strengthen muscles after a bone fracture. For instance, strengthening the arm muscles after a shoulder fracture plays a key role in performing everyday activities such as getting in and out of a chair. Strengthen your arms by sitting upright in a chair with armrests, feet firmly planted on the floor. Place a hand on each armrest. Lean your body slightly forward, keeping your back and shoulders straight. Inhale slowly. Exhale slowly and lift your body as far as possible from the chair while straightening your elbows. Hold this position for three seconds. Slowly inhale and gently lower your body into the chair. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat five times.
Finger Dexterity
Finger dexterity plays a role in fulfilling daily living tasks such as using a keyboard and playing a musical instrument. Nerve damage can hinder dexterity, resulting in poor hand functioning. Chair exercises can concentrate on restoring dexterity by using opposition finger stretches. Sit upright in your chair. Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle and bring your hands in front of your body. Open your hands wide, with your palms facing you. Bring your thumb and index finger together and hold for five seconds. Return to the open palm position and relax five seconds. Repeat the exercise by touching your thumb to each finger individually.
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