Stretching Exercises for Seniors

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin.  For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did.  And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.     

Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin.  In fact studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints.  Another good thing about stretching is there are exercises that are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair.  Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere.  The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.”  They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some.  Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself.  

Some common forms of exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking and dumbbell strength training.  At the MorningStar of Happy Valley, our beautiful assisted living and memory care community offers a whole host of resort-style amenities and care services as well as wellness programs and activities daily that include exercises geared toward our residents.  Located in the southeast suburb of Portland, OR, we proudly offer our residents a true “home.”   Please see our website to learn more.

*This blog is for information purposes only. Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider*

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley.  

Source: 

silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/