The Secret’s Out, Regular Activity Keeps Seniors Feeling Better and Living Longer

Jan. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- According to Centers for Disease Control, one of the most important things older adults can do for their health is regular physical activity. Larry Prescott, executive director of Grand Villa of Largo (http://www.largoseniorliving.com) (www.largoseniorliving.com), an assisted living facility with a state-of-the-art memory care unit, is committed to helping seniors keep fit by sharing tips on alternative forms of exercise.

“We’ve seen the benefits of regular exercise firsthand,” says Prescott. “Just recently, one of our residents had a broken foot; we modified some of the fitness routines so she could stay involved and keep her spirits up.”

Seniors are most receptive to physical activity when they have individualized plans that fit both their lifestyle and interests. Prescott adds that these plans can be developed by caregivers, therapists, nurses, assisted living activities staff or even the seniors themselves, but reminds that all such plans should be discussed with the person’s physician first.  

Integrating modified, low-impact activities, like yoga and Tai Chi for example, into seniors’ exercise plans increases the likelihood that they will commit to a new, healthy lifestyle and keep it up.

Regular activity lowers risk factors linked to the development of chronic diseases, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and many others. It can also reduce arthritis pain, anxiety and depression. These benefits can be derived from such simple activities as:

·         Chair exercises: A lot can be done when someone is seated.   From arm circles and neck stretches to knee extensions and squeezing a ball, sitting doesn’t have to mean lounging.

·         Balloon volleyball: Only two participants are needed, but this can be a fun group activity that also is played sitting down. Simply line up chairs across from each other and use a balloon as the volleyball.  Make it a combination of volleyball and soccer if you want to kick the balloon as well!

·         Walking, keep walking: Walking strengthens the heart and lungs. Seniors in particular, though, need to be sure to walk at their own pace and rest when they are tired.  Having a set walking course is helpful.  

·         Dancing: Dancing is a physical activity that is fun, safe and good aerobic exercise.

·         Stretching: Stretching is a good way to strengthen joints and bones. Knowing how to maintain proper form can help minimize injuries.

“The best thing is that no matter the fitness level, seniors do have a lot of attractive options to stay fit with regular physical activity,” says Prescott.  “Sometimes all they need are a few ideas and a little encouragement.”

About Grand Villa of Largo
Grand Villa of Largo (http://www.largoseniorliving.com) is an assisted living and Alzheimer’s care residential community in Largo, Fla. The community offers one bedroom and studio apartments, 24-hour staffing and amenities such as a café, beauty salon and barber shop, billiards parlor, library and a private dining room. For those who are not ready for full-time residency, Grand Villa of Largo offers a senior day program, short-term stays, respite care and a dusk to dawn overnight program.

About Senior Management Advisors, Inc.
Senior Management Advisors (SMA) (www.seniormanagementadvisors.com) is a leading operator of full service independent living, assisted living and Alzheimer’s care residential communities in Florida and Georgia. SMA specializes in rejuvenating and stabilizing senior living communities for owners, financial institutions, private investors and government agencies. SMA’s services include consultation, management, development and renovation of residential communities.