April is National Move More Month and now is a fantastic time for seniors to get moving and improve their health. Movement is one of the easiest and most important things that seniors can do to improve their health. Seniors who have trouble moving because of health problems can benefit from in-home care. With in-home care, seniors will have the help and support they need to move more often throughout the day. But why is movement so important for a senior’s good health? Movement is important for good health because:

It Improves Cardiovascular Health

One of the reasons why movement is so essential for seniors is that physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps strengthen the heart. It also improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure. This reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

It Increases Muscle Strength and Flexibility

Regular exercise helps seniors build and maintain muscle strength, which is essential for maintaining balance, stability, and mobility. Improving flexibility through activities such as stretching or yoga can also reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Regular movement that is focused on stretching and flexibility can help seniors have good balance as they get older. That can help seniors avoid falls.

It Promotes Healthy Weight Management

Physical activity helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise can help seniors achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, reducing the risk of obesity and related health problems such as type 2 diabetes and joint pain. Since Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common among seniors moving more and keeping a healthy weight are more important than ever.

Seniors who are overweight need regular movement so that they stop gaining weight. They may need a combination of a healthy diet and movement to lose weight.

It Helps Keep Bones Strong

Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, dancing, or strength training, help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Strong bones are crucial for overall mobility and independence.

It Improves Joint Health

Regular movement helps lubricate the joints, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion. This can alleviate joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions such as arthritis, allowing seniors to stay active and engaged in daily activities.

It Boosts Mood and Mental Well-being

Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters that help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Regular physical activity also improves cognitive function, memory, and overall mental well-being, promoting a positive outlook on life.

It Enhances Sleep Quality

Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality and duration, leading to better rest and overall health. Seniors who are more active during the day tend to fall asleep faster, experience fewer sleep disturbances, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

It Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases

Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and dementia. It also helps manage existing health conditions more effectively, improving overall health outcomes.

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Potomac, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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