Strength training sounds like something that only big, burly guys can do. But strength training can have excellent benefits for aging adults. The key is that they need to engage in these exercises safely. Having senior home care providers there for additional support can help seniors to be as safe as possible while also adding strength training to their exercise plans.

Improved Muscle Mass and Strength

Muscle tone decreases with age, but when seniors strategically add in strength training, they can combat that natural loss. Regular strength exercises help seniors to maintain muscle tone, which allows seniors to improve daily function, too. All of this is important for seniors who want to remain as independent as possible.

Better Balance and Coordination

When seniors focus more on strength training, they also help to improve things like balance, stability, and coordination. This is essential for preventing falls and for remaining as mobile as possible. In the beginning, seniors might need additional assistance and support from home care providers. But as they continue to build their strength, they may regain mobility.

Enhanced Bone Health

Seniors who are experiencing weakening bones or even osteoporosis are often told to start engaging in weight-bearing exercises. Strength training is a weight-bearing exercise, making it a perfect choice for someone who wants to improve bone strength. Stronger bones also mean a reduced risk of injury from a fall.

Better Joint Health

Muscles and joints work together and for seniors who have trouble with joint pain, including from arthritis, stronger muscles help to support those joints. Resistance exercises help to improve joint stiffness, which can greatly improve overall mobility. If seniors don’t have arthritis yet, strength training can help to reduce the risk of joint issues occurring.

Increased Metabolism

As seniors age, their metabolism slows down, making it harder to maintain an ideal weight. This happens because of a variety of reasons, including muscle loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat does, so when seniors boost their muscle tone, they can boost their metabolism. This is especially helpful when weight management is an important metric.

Improved Chronic Health Condition Management

When seniors are battling chronic health issues, exercise is often their doctors’ first recommendation. Strength training is a great way to get exercise, and it can be really effective for seniors who are trying to manage health issues. Problems like high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure levels, high cholesterol, and more respond well to regular exercise. Seniors may find that they feel healthier and happier the more that they exercise.

Engaging in safe strength training is the key for seniors. They should always talk to their doctors before starting a new exercise plan and they should start out slowly. Having help to keep proper form is also a good idea. Senior home care professionals can help seniors to remember to do their exercises and they can help with other things, like transportation to the gym, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated while they work out. All of these little factors can help them to be a lot more successful with their new strength training routines.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Columbia, 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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