Being elderly or disabled shouldn’t have to get in the way of being active. Keeping yourself moving can improve your strength and flexibility, as well as your circulation. In the winter, this can be particularly important as the colder temperatures can increase pain in your joints. Some gentle stretches and exercises can help you to ease off aches and pains and improve your overall wellbeing. Here’s a few simple movements you can do at home.
Chair Exercises
You don’t need to get up to get some exercise in. In fact, remaining seated in your chair prevents you from putting too much pressure on your joints. Seated workouts can help to improve your flexibility, strength and circulation without requiring strenuous movement. From your seat, you can perform gentle arm stretches and leg lifts. You can also march on the spot while in your seat, which will get the blood pumping without the pressure of standing. There are many resources online with videos you can follow to safely carry out some chair exercises.
Light Household Chores
Exercise doesn’t have to be done for the sake of it. Remember, when you’re performing simple household tasks like cleaning, folding your laundry and dusting, you’re still moving. If you’ve got a long list of chores to get through, break them up into manageable sessions to ensure you’re not overexerting yourself. You may even wish to start a small herb garden in your kitchen or place a few house plants throughout your home. This means you’ll have to move around to ensure they’re watered, and will give you a great sense of accomplishment as you watch them grow!
Motion-Controlled Video Games
There’s some excellent resources available if you’d like to incorporate some video games into your exercise routine. Wii Sports is a great way to get moving and have some fun. These require you to use a controller to carry out movements. It’s a low-impact way to get some exercise in, and can be done as a social activity as well as a solo one. Most of these games can be played while you’re seated, so they can be used by those who require a wheelchair. Using modern technology to exercise can also be a brilliant way to bring together the older and younger members of your family.
The Benefits Of Staying Active
Staying active is great for both your body and your mind. By keeping your joints moving, you’re staving off aches and pains. You’re also keeping your mind active, which is great for your overall wellbeing.
