Does your elderly loved one know there is a connection between exercising and mental health? Many studies have been done to prove this connection. If your elderly loved one is struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma, or any other mental health issues, now is the time to help them create an exercise program. Sure, there are other treatments for mental health disorders and issues, too, but in the meantime, exercising can be a great step in the right direction for your elderly loved one.
Stress Management
Have you noticed that your elderly loved one is really stressed most of the time? If this is the case and nothing seems to be helping up to this point, you and companion care at home providers can encourage your elderly loved one to exercise. Studies show that exercising releases endorphins which are known to help with stress reduction. Your elderly loved one doesn’t even have to complete intense exercises for this to work. In fact, just going on a walk for 5 to 10 minutes can help to lower stress levels.
Depression Management
Has your elderly loved one been feeling depressed? If this is the case, there are numerous treatments for depression that can be prescribed or used. However, one holistic option is exercise. Studies show that people who exercise often feel less depressed. Exercising can help to prevent depression and other mental health issues, too. Part of the reason for this is because it gives the person more self-esteem, releases those endorphins talked about above, and reduces feelings of overwhelming nature. If your elderly loved one is struggling with depression, getting them to start with even a small amount of exercise could be beneficial.
Anxiety Management
There are many senior citizens who experience anxiety on a regular basis. If this is the case for your elderly loved one, it would be a good idea to encourage them to exercise every day or even multiple times a day. Sometimes, when a person exercises, their anxiety levels decrease almost immediately. For others, as long as they are exercising regularly, they don’t have as much anxiety in the first place. The primary reason for this is that the person feels better about themselves when they are exercising, so they are more confident in their decision-making.
Conclusion
These are some of the connections between exercising and mental health. Now that you know about these connections, companion care at home providers can help your elderly loved one to create an exercise schedule/routine that works the best for them. As always, talk with your senior’s doctor before beginning any new exercise routine. They may need to set your elderly loved one up with a fitness specialist or physical therapist, but ultimately, there are almost always exercises that are safe for the elderly.
Sources
https://health.gov/news/202112/physical-activity-good-mind-and-body#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20increased%20physical,depression%20in%20children%20and%20adults
If you are considering companion care at home in Houston, TX, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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