A good exercise regimen can help a person maintain mobility.
Some persons may not be able to follow an exercise program due to changes in their physical ability. It may be better for those people to fit exercises and stretching into the daily routine:
- Find a simple activity that the person enjoys, such as walking, gardening, housekeeping, or swimming. As caregiver, you can try to make some of these activities part of the daily routine.
- Sitting and reaching in different directions can stretch the arms and trunk.
- Household chores such as folding laundry, dusting, wiping dishes, or helping with food preparation provide gentle exercise.
- Simple games like balloon volleyball, playing catch with a large, soft ball or blowing soap bubbles are an enjoyable way to get exercise.
- Music creates movement such as marching or dancing. If balance is a problem, try chair dancing. “Conducting” to the beat of up-tempo music provides upper body exercise and good emotional therapy!
- Perform a few extra arm and leg motions during dressing tasks.
A physical therapist can suggest exercises and stretches that will suit the person in your care. Therapists can also provide ways to improve walking and balance, if necessary.
