5 Activities that Are Safe for Seniors with Parkinson’s
By Lindsey Fancy 9 am on
The symptoms of Parkinson’s differ from one senior to the next. However, physicians typically recommend older adults living with the disease remain as active as possible. There are many activities that are safe for seniors living with Parkinson’s.
1. Taking Walks
Walking is a simple activity that also provides many physical benefits. The exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system, which ensures the brain receives the nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood it needs. When they’re well nourished, neurons are better able to function. Walking also enhances balance, flexibility, and lower body strength. By enhancing their physical ability, seniors with Parkinson’s can reduce their risk of falling. Statistics indicate 25 percent of all older adults fall each year, and the stiffness, rigidity, and physical limitations that commonly occur in seniors with Parkinson’s make them even more susceptible to falls.Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help to exercise safely. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care.Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
2. Swimming
Swimming is ideal for older adults who find weight-bearing activities difficult. Consider accompanying your loved one to the local municipal pool, or perhaps you could both join a fitness centre that has a pool. Many facilities also offer water aerobics classes. Being in the water reduces stress on joints. However, the water provides sufficient resistance for a cardiovascular and musculoskeletal workout. Swimming also enhances balance and flexibility while reducing physical discomfort.
3. Making Crafts
Creating crafts is a versatile activity that offers many different benefits for seniors with Parkinson’s. Crocheting, knitting, drawing, and painting all require fine motor skills, allowing older adults with Parkinson’s to maintain hand and arm flexibility. The physical movements and visual acuity involved in creating craft projects also stimulate the brain. Crafting with others offers social interaction while alleviating stress, and successfully completing a project provides a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Crafting is ideal for helping seniors with Parkinson’s emotionally, mentally, and physically. Health issues that arise during the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for seniors increasingly challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Winnipeg, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
4. Playing Games
Children often enjoy teaching their grandparents how to play video games. On the other hand, seniors commonly offer tips to younger people when they’re playing board or card games together. Spending time with loved ones encourages the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins, which play a role in alleviating physical discomfort. If they’re able, seniors might consider playing golf, tennis, bocce ball, or other more physically active games. The physical and mental tasks involved in playing games require stimulating a number of brain regions, which encourages neurotransmitter production and release.
5. Singing Karaoke
People of all ages love music, and there are many popular songs that are familiar to members of every generation, so consider hosting a karaoke night. Choose music genres, artists, or bands your loved one might enjoy and encourage him or her to sing. The act of singing strengthens the vocal cords, which are also affected by Parkinson’s disease at some point in time. If your loved one is physically able, encourage him or her to dance with other family members as each person takes a turn vocalizing. Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate, professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Winnipeg senior care agencyyou can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Call Home Care Assistance at (204) 489-6000 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.
