Our planet has experienced a devastation in recent months, triggered by COVID-19. This virus has spread by proximity from person to person, prompting governments to intensify efforts to curb the spread of the disease it causes, COVID-19.
Seniors Stay Fit From Home
Some of you regularly exercised prior to the pandemic. We recognize that running or becoming mentally active is healthy for our bodies to lose weight, to get your ideal body or to improve your attitude. Working out is also good for a sharper brain.
Improve Brain Function
Exercising regularly means your brain is supplied with enough blood to maintain its physiological function. Regular activity and increased physical health was correlated with greater brain volume.
An established link exists between exercise and improved brain health through enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) secretion. BDNF is a chemical found within our brains in various areas including the hippocampus, which is a special area for memorizing things.
All Day Mood Boosters
It’s normal that we’re more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety during this pandemic.
Physical exercise of sufficient intensity and duration can boost your mood by increasing the level of circulation of a feel-good chemical called beta-endorphine. Exercise and physical activity which activates a brain structure called the pituitary gland of beta-endorphin release. It relieves discomfort and gives a feeling of euphoria – beta-endorphin often has positive impact on stress and anxiety symptoms.
Regular physical activity is healthy for our brain because it has impressive results in the region called the limbic lobe’s parahippocampal gyrus, which is connected to the reward mechanism of the brain.
What Home Workouts Can Seniors Do?
There is a variety of of physical activities seniors can do at home; yoga, aerobics, using the treadmill, resistance training, and riding an exercise bike.
Seated Resistance Training Workout
When beginning a resistance training program, Bell says it’s a good idea to start with exercises in a seated position, then progress to performing the exercises while standing. To add resistance, she recommends using small hand weights or resistance bands.
Perform each exercise for the recommended repetitions. Move to the next exercise until you reach the end. Take a two-minute break and repeat once.
Move 1: Bicep Curl
- Grab 2- to 10-pound hand weights.
- Start with your arms by your sides, palms facing out.
- Curl the weights up to about chest height and hold for two seconds before releasing.
- Do 10 repetitions.
Stretching Sequence for Seniors
This stretching sequence from Austin Martinez, director of education for StretchLab, is a great add-on after a cardio workout. If you plan on doing it as a stand-alone activity, warm up (say, with some brisk walking) before moving into the stretches.
Move 1: Spine Rotation Stretch
- Sit upright with your shoulders back and gently rotate your shoulders to the left.
- Come back to center before gently rotating to the right.
Fairmont Grand Senior Living Community
Fairmont Grand is a resident centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.
