Maintaining healthy knees is crucial for a senior’s mobility. If your elderly loved one has arthritis or other joint-related issues, Mississauga home care experts suggest these exercises to help get his or her knees into better shape.
Swimming
Water exercise is beneficial for seniors with knee and other joint problems for several reasons. For instance, if the water is warm, it can help soothe aching joints. Water can also help support your loved one’s weight, which reduces joint strain. By encouraging your loved one to swim, you help him or her increase endurance and range of motion without the hard impact that can cause joint pain.
Cycling
Regular bike rides can help your loved one build flexibility and range of motion in his or her knees. It can also strengthen calf and thigh muscles, which increases balance and stability. If your loved one is unable to ride a regular bike, the same effect can be achieved with a recumbent bike or pedal exerciser he or she can use indoors.
Walking
Encourage your loved one to take a daily stroll around the neighborhood. In addition to the cardiovascular benefits, walking preserves range of motion and utilizes the muscles that support the knee, which can increase balance. It’s important your loved one avoids walking on rough, uneven surfaces to reduce the likelihood of a fall. If your loved one lives in an area with large amounts of traffic or without sidewalks, you might consider purchasing a small, easy-to-operate treadmill so he or she can exercise from the safety of home.
Chair Exercises
Knee strengthening exercises can increase flexibility and stability, which reduces joint pain and the risk of falls. Seated knee extensions are easy to perform. Have your loved one to sit in a chair with his or her back straight and feet on the floor about shoulder-width apart. Your loved one should then straighten his or her right leg out and hold for five to ten seconds. He or she should then repeat the process with the left leg. Encourage your loved one to do a total of ten repetitions on each leg.
If your loved one needs assistance with regular exercise, consider hiring a part-time or 24-hour caregiver in Mississauga. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers are expertly trained to help with exercise and mobility and can also assist with a wide variety of important tasks around the house. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our experienced Care Managers at 905-337-1200 to schedule a free consultation.