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.
The most beneficial exercise you could ever do for balance, agility, and strength is deep knee bends. Start next to a railing to assist if you can't do one. Gradually try to increase till you get to twenty a day. I was getting shakey on stairs especially going down and having a time getting out of the lazyboy but now I get out of chairs with my hands in the air just using my legs. If you really have trouble with accomplishing this do one in the shower, one while watching TV, and one in the kitchen holding the counter. Pretty soon you will be well on your way. See you on the volley ball court soon Bob
I found I was able to exercise and stay mobile with a Dashaway. It's an upright walker that's designed to also be used as a safe exercise platform. It's very comfortable and stable. And, it comes with an exercise DVD. Best regards,