Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders and people in their 20s. Several studies have found very real benefits of strength training for elderly people as well. In fact, strength training may be even more important than aerobic exercise when it comes to helping elderly people maintain a healthy weight and strong bones while addressing chronic conditions. Here are some very real benefits of strength training for older adults.
1. Prevents Age-Related Muscle Loss
Beginning in our 30s, we begin to lose up to five percent of our muscle mass every decade. This age-related muscle loss is called sarcopenia, and it’s estimated to result in more than $18 billion in direct healthcare costs every year. Strength training is the safest and most effective way to prevent this muscle loss.
If you have concerns about your loved one’s ability to exercise safely, consider hiring a trained professional caregiver to provide assistance. Senior care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Reduces Fall Risk
More than 35 percent of seniors fall every year, and the figure goes up to 50 percent for people over 80. Falls are the most common cause of fractures in elderly people. Strength training has been found to increase flexibility and strength in seniors, making them less vulnerable to falls.
3. Eases Arthritis Pain
Strength training builds up lean muscle to support and protect the joints. By increasing strength and flexibility, strength training can reduce joint pain and the strain on joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, hiring a home caregiver to take over on occasion is a great option. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Harrisburg, PA, Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
4. Boosts Bone Mass & Density
Research has found that strength training can actually prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) and protect bones from osteoporosis-related fractures. Even better, it can build new bone over time. This is especially important for older women, who are at high risk for osteoporosis after menopause.
5. Helps with Managing Diabetes
Twenty-six percent of seniors have diabetes, which is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S. The American Diabetes Association recommends strength training because it makes the body more sensitive to insulin and lowers blood glucose levels.
Assistance with exercising safely is just one of the benefits seniors receive when families enlist the help of trained professional caregivers. Harrisburg home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care at (717) 540-4663 today.