Chair exercises are perfect for seniors with limited mobility
Seniors who can’t easily move around or are frail still benefit from regular exercise. The important thing is to find exercises that they can safely do.
That’s why chair exercises work so well.
Seniors stay seated in a sturdy, non-slip chair while exercising. It’s ideal for people who are at high risk of falls, have severe joint problems, or are wheelchair-bound.
Chair exercises have been shown to improve strength, flexibility, and circulation.
They’re are also an effective way to reduce fall risk and can help reduce pain. Plus, any kind of exercise boosts mood and self-esteem.
We found a fantastic gentle routine of seated chair exercises for seniors that focuses on maintaining and improving range of motion.
The free video is 9 minutes long and gets all parts of the body moving, from head to toe.
Follow along with the seated chair exercises for seniors
In this free video, a geriatric recreational therapist goes through a simple and effective 9 minute exercise routine.
Doing this routine will get the blood flowing and loosen up tight muscles.
It focuses on gentle movements that help improve your older adult’s range of motion, making everyday tasks easier.
Even if your older adult can’t do the full range of motion right away, they’re likely to improve over time if they do this routine regularly.
What type of chair should be used?
The goal is to provide a steady base so your older adult will be safe and secure while they move their body during the workout.
Choose a sturdy, 4-legged chair with back support.
It shouldn’t have arms and shouldn’t fold, roll, slide, or wobble.
Safety and comfort are the top priority
With any exercise routine, first check with your older adult’s doctor to make sure that exercising is safe for them.
While exercising, your older adult shouldn’t feel pressured to follow the instructor’s pace. They’ll still get plenty of benefit if they go at their own comfortable pace, no matter how slow.
If they’d like to do the full number of repetitions at their own pace, just pause the video until they’re ready for the next movement.
The same goes for their range of motion. Let your older adult know that they don’t have to do the movements exactly as the instructor does or they can skip a troublesome movement completely.
They should move only as far as is comfortable for their limbs and joints.
Next Step Try these free, gentle seated chair exercises for seniors (9 minutes)
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- At Home Mobility Test Increases Safety: Timed Up and Go
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
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