Questions About Exercises for Seniors

1. How do I encourage my mother, who has limited mobility, to exercise?

   Question - Without more specifics on your mother's ability, I'll offer some general recommendations. First, try to find out why she resists exercise. Ask her specific questions to see if you can get the discussion going. Is it too strenuous? Uncomfortable? Is it boring or does it seems unnecessary? Maybe your mother thinks she's unable to exercise...
   1 Expert Answer

2. How do I encourage my mother, who has limited mobility, to exercise?

   Question - You're right; exercise would be great for your mom! But I have to admit, I suspect that what's lacking even more than a DVD is another word you mentioned: motivation. You said she wasn't into exercise before her health problems. I'm sure it's even harder for her to get motivated now...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

3. Does exercise increase lung capacity?

   Question - I would recommend that you see a pulmonologist because of the results of your pulmonary function tests. While aerobic exercise can help improve lung function in healthy persons, you may need other medications to help improve your lung function. The pulmonologist may also have recommendations on how to exercise safely given your lung issues...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

4. What are some yoga exercises that a person with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's could do?

   Question - The appropriate yoga exercises for people with Alzheimers and Parkinsons vary widely depending on what stage of the disease the person is in. I can, however, offer you a few tips. First, people with Parkinson's gradually develop a rigidity to their movements and a difficulty initiating movments...
   1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

5. Are there any specific exercises out there that are geared towards seniors that will help them to gain better balance?

   Question - You ask a good question, and one that comes up fairly often as seniors, and their caregivers, are eager to reduce the risk of falling. The answer is a resounding "yes," there are many exercises that improve balance. There are also exercise classes and programs designed just for this, from tai chi to aqua aerobics...
   1 Expert Answer

6. What can I do to improve confidence and blood pressure management?

   Question - Andy, your doctor is the best person to consult about managing your blood pressure. But as for improving your confidence, I'd recommend starting a regular exercise program. Is there any type of physical activity you enjoy? If so, that might be a good place to start. Otherwise, you could begin by walking...
   1 Expert Answer

7. What exercises can I do to help with weight loss after a stroke?

   Question - Strokes affect people in different ways; most people experience some degree of weakness in either their arm/leg or both. This weakness, even if mild, can throw off a person's balance making them increased risk for falls. Weakness can also cause you to overuse your stronger side of the body which could...
   1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

8. What is the best way to gauge how much exercise is too much?

   Question - The general rule is that people need to pace themselves and limit their exercise based on their ability to do it. So if your mother is exercising and having chest pain, that's definitely too much. But as long as she's exercising with frequent resting so she's not exhausted, short of breath, or having angina symptoms, it's probably okay...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

9. How does coverage from Medicare and health club memberships work?

   Question - That depends on how you receive your Medicare Part B coverage, but in most cases the answer is no. If you are enrolled in traditional Medicare Part B, directly with Medicare itself, there is very little coverage for any kind of preventive or "wellness" care, and none at all for a gym membership or related fitness training...
   1 Expert Answer

10. Why is exercise important for seniors?

    Question - Exercise enables us to remain as healthy and engaged in a meaningful life as possible. As we age, our muscles weaken; our bones weaken; our cardiovascular and circulatory systems are not as efficient; our balance lessens; our eye sight worsens. All our systems begin to decline...
    1 Expert Answer

11. Is there a point where exercise does more harm than good with COPD?

    Question - I'm in stage 4 COPD, FEV1=20%". Is there a point one comes to when exercising does more harm than good? Am I wearing my lungs out faster by pushing the exercise routine instead of just sitting and conserving energy?

12. What does the progression of COPD and type 2 diabetes look like?

    Question - I am worried that your husband's decreased mobility is contributing to his increased weight and progression of diabetes. Even small amounts of exercise can improve a person's sensitivity to insulin, and therefore decrease the need for more insulin or diabetes medications...
    1 Expert Answer

13. What can I do to help my hunched back?

    Question - It sounds unusual that you lost so much weight and muscle mass as a result of the hip replacement surgery. Were there complications to the surgery and did you happen to be sedentary for a long time after as a result? Or is there something else going on medically...
    1 Expert Answer

14. How long do chemotherapy side effects last?

    Question - First off, thank you for your well-written email. I can certainly hear your frustration.
    1 Expert Answer, 68 Community Answers

15. What kind of diet will best help me battle colon cancer?

    Question - It sounds like you have an understanding of the elements of a healthy diet. There is nothing specific that you should concentrate on in terms of food that you're not already doing. Be sure that you drink plenty of water as well, as this is important to every body function.
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

16. How do you treat grief-related depression?

    Question - It is wonderful you are concerned about your mom, and looking for help. It sounds like your dad died very young, and that makes things particularly hard on everyone, especially your mom. I would be happy to give you some thoughts about the treatment of her depression, but I am afraid I don’t know w...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

17. What to do when client refuses range of motion therapy?

    Question - Range of motion exercises are usually necessary to regain motion or prevent futher loss of motion. They can be very mundane for both the client and caregiver. As a therapist, I make a point to explain why these exercises are important, i.e. if you lose more shoulder movement, it will become more difficult to dress yourself...
    1 Expert Answer

18. What are some good exercises for coordination?

    Question - Your question is actually a very good one. There have been studies on using Tai Chi to improve balance, and it has been proven to help reduce falls in older adults. There are many Tai Chi DVDs for sale that you can try (even look at your local library if you don't want to buy one)...
    1 Expert Answer

19. Why does my blood sugar go up after one hour of walking?

    Question - When you are diabetic, your blood sugar will often vary depending on your activity level and how you are eating. With exercise, your blood sugar will normally decrease. However, higher intensity exercise, which can include walking for some individuals who are out of shape, can sometimes increase blood sugar due to stress hormones being released...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

20. Why do I get cramping in the arch of my right foot when exercising?

    Question - There are several reasons you might be experiencing foot cramps while exercising. Here are some ideas and tips: 1. Dehydration can be a cause, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your pilates class. 2. Cramping can also be caused by a lack of potassium or calcium in your system...
    1 Expert Answer

21. If someone can't do vigorous exercise, is gentle exercise still beneficial?

    Question - The answer to question 1 is “Yes, definitely!” The benefits of exercise and its direct relationship to well-being and overall health are well documented and include:
    2 Expert Answers, 1 Community Answer

22. What can I do to motivate my mother to get up and exercise?

    Question - Oh, I am so sorry. This sounds like a difficult situation and is understandably discouraging and frustrating for you. Since your mom was in the NH for 3 months, it would be interesting to talk with the rehab team there to get some insight into how they were able to motivate your mom...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

23. How can exercise help my parents to prevent falls?

    Question - How can exercise help my parents to prevent falls, and how can I get them to do these exercises?

24. What are your top five tips for preventing falls in the home?

    Question - Here are our top 5 tips for preventing falls in the home:
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

25. How long will it take for my COPD and asthma to keep me from walking?

    Question - One important and perhaps underused treatment that may help your ability to walk again, even up hills and stairs, may be pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation is generally appropriate for patients with COPD and shortness of breath while walking...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

26. How can I help my mother become strong enough to go on walks with me?

    Question - My mother is in a chair full time except to go to doctor appointments twice a week. When she moves she has a walker but I can tell she has muscle wasting going on. I am her live in daughter and also a nurse. She has had PT out but noone has shown me exercising I can help her with in her chair--can you please help me on this...

27. How can I help my dad correct his bad Parkinson's posture to avoid falling over?

    Question - Parkinson's disease patients lose the "automatic pilot" programs in the brain that normally let you do many complex tasks without thinking about them. Spouses and family often try to help by telling a patient to straighten up or to make sure to swing both arms when he walks...
    1 Expert Answer, 9 Community Answers

28. What are ROM exercises for bedridden patients?

    Question - We usually do ROM movements on bedridden patients -- these exercises help keep joints flexible. ROM stands for "range of motion."
    1 Expert Answer

29. What can I do to encourage my elderly parent to use a walker or cane?

    Question - I know how difficult this can be. Using an assistive device for walking often symbolizes regression in an elderly person's mind -- a visible sign of losing independence. It's important to listen to, acknowledge, and empathize with your father's concerns. But, there are several things you can do to encourage him to use a walking aid...
    1 Expert Answer

30. How can I convince my stubborn father to see a doctor about his diabetes?

    Question - Have a heart-to-heart discussion with your dad about your concerns. Get support from other family or friends who can join you in having a serious, yet supportive conversation with him about your observations of his changing health status. Ask how your father feels. Tell him you are worried and you'd feel better if he saw the doctor for a check up...
    1 Expert Answer

31. How can I get my mother, who has breast cancer, to be more active so she won't lose muscle strength?

    Question - You can't make your mother exercise and shouldn't feel responsible if she doesn't listen to you -- or her doctor. But you can refuse to let the subject drop, even if it makes her uncomfortable, and that's the easiest path to take.
    1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

32. Should my active parent check his blood sugar during exercise?

    Question - Your father should check his blood glucose if he notices symptoms such as shakiness, nervousness, vision changes, hunger, dizziness, headache, confusion, or sweating. These are all potential signs of low blood sugar, which can be brought on by physical activity.
    1 Expert Answer

33. Can exercise improve ejection fraction?

    Question - Cardiac rehabilitation may not play a major role in raising your mother-in-law's EF, but it should improve her quality of life and her ability to be active. EF is a helpful marker for physicians, but it isn't the be-all and end-all of rehabilitation. Some patients feel good and remain active in spite of having a low EF...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

34. What are some fun activities for older adults confined to hospitals?

    Question - First look at the calendar for the convalescent hospital. How much time do you have to work with the seniors, and how long are the seniors in this setting? Is this "home" or short term rehabilitation? Once you've answered these questions, here are some suggestions:
    1 Expert Answer

35. How do I get my mother to do her physical therapy?

    Question - There are a few ways you can encourage your mother to follow through with her physical therapy program. One, make sure she gets a hand-out with pictures and written instructions so she knows exactly what she’s supposed to do. Also, it’s been shown that people are more successful with exercise regimegimens...
    1 Expert Answer

36. Do Alzheimer's patients typically take depression medication?

    Question - No, antidepressants are not routinely given to people who have Alzheimer's. This would be done only if the person were also diagnosed with depression. It's true, though, that depression rates are higher among people with Alzheimer's (estimates range from two in five people with Alzheimer's, or up to 50 percent)...
    1 Expert Answer

37. Should I be having pain when I exercise 7 months after completion of chemo for lung cancer?

    Question - Should I be having pain when I exercise 7 months after completion of chemo for lung cancer?

38. What can you do to get a parent suffering from stroke to...

    Question - What can you do to get a parent suffering from stroke to change their attitude on exercise in general? This was a key factor to the problem in the first place.

39. How can I encourage my wife, who has diabetes, to exercise more?

    Question - Motivation to change is personal. Your wife has to want to exercise -- you can't do it for her. What you can do is set up an environment that gives her opportunities to be more active. But resist the temptation to transform from husband to athletic director. Such behavior will likely just backfire...
    1 Expert Answer

40. How can I encourage my mom to be more active after a knee replacement?

    1 Expert Answer