{"id":5954,"date":"2020-05-29T17:42:53","date_gmt":"2020-05-29T21:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.eugeria.ca\/?p=5954"},"modified":"2020-06-04T13:29:10","modified_gmt":"2020-06-04T17:29:10","slug":"seniors-and-exercising-how-to-stay-active-during-self-isolation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/info.eugeria.ca\/en\/seniors-and-exercising-how-to-stay-active-during-self-isolation\/","title":{"rendered":"Seniors and Exercising: How to Stay Active During Self-Isolation"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to self-isolate at home and imposed a more sedentary lifestyle. Under these conditions, it is more important than ever for older adults to stay active. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about how the elderly can continue to stay active during self-isolation.<\/p>\n

Why is it so important for older adults to exercise during confinement?<\/h3>\n
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  1. Prevent deconditioning:<\/b>
    \nProlonged inactivity brings about physical deconditioning, which means the loss of muscle mass, strength, flexibility, etc. Exercising can maintain muscle strength and increase physical fitness.<\/li>\n
  2. Lower the risk of falling:<\/b>
    \nDeconditioning also brings about balance and mobility loss, leading to falls. Staying active can therefore reduce the risk of falling.<\/li>\n
  3. Reduce boredom and improve mental health:<\/b>
    \nThe unpredictability of this unprecedented situation can be stressful for seniors who are more vulnerable and days spent at home can feel long or lonely. Having a routine that includes some exercise can keep an individual occupied and relieve some stress.<\/li>\n
  4. Increase energy levels and improve daily life:<\/b>
    \nMaintaining strength and mobility enables seniors to practice their favorite hobbies, which in turn, is good for their morale!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How to motivate your elderly loved ones to exercise?<\/h3>\n
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    1. Encourage them with a reminder phone call or do the program with them from your home.<\/b> It is more encouraging and comforting to start a new activity with a loved one rather than alone.<\/li>\n
    2. Integrate exercise into activities that they already enjoy.<\/b> Kill two birds with one stone! If your loved one likes, for example, bean bag tossing, it is a great activity for moving the arms, walking and even working on balance.<\/li>\n
    3. Go progressively.<\/b> Plan with your parents or grandparents to start their new routine with two to three sessions per week. It is less intimidating than asking them to start exercising every single day.<\/li>\n
    4. Set realistic goals.<\/b> Good goals are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). Set some short-term and long-term objectives with your loved ones.<\/li>\n
    5. Create a clear and concise routine.<\/b> Work with your loved ones to be clear in their exercise program. Good examples include going on a 15-minute walk around the block after breakfast or a specific workout program\u00a0before dinner\u00a0on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.<\/li>\n
    6. Be supportive!<\/b> Encourage your elderly loved one by asking about their workout – their favorite parts and the parts they didn\u2019t enjoy. Help them adapt their program to get a motivating and balanced routine.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      What exercises can be safely done at home?<\/h3>\n

      With the gradual resumption of activities starting May 2020, several activities such as tennis, golf or hiking are will be accessible again. For seniors that prefer staying active at home, it is important to take various precautions, particularly for those that have not been exercising in a while, including:<\/p>\n