New Year’s Resolutions: At-Home Exercises to Help Seniors Reach Their Goals

Exercise becomes even more critical as we age. Maintaining a healthy weight, contributing to mobility and flexibility, and soaking in the sun’s Vitamin D remain vital to a better quality of life. If you’re struggling with your New Year’s resolution of losing weight, you’re not alone. We’ve compiled a list of exercises you can do at home to help you reach your goals.  

The Importance of Exercise As We Age 

Exercising has many benefits for seniors beyond losing weight and gaining strength. Working out offers seniors the following advantages: 

• Improved balance  

• Increased range of motion 

• Injury and fall prevention 

• Flexibility 

• Enhances mobility 

• Maintaining independence 

• Joint health 

• Reduces the impact of illness and disease 

• Improves posture 

• Social interaction 

• Better quality of life 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity training weekly to maintain a healthy exercise regimen. The CDC also recommends setting aside two days weekly to work on strength training. This type of training is especially beneficial for seniors who have a harder time building and maintaining muscle. 

Exercising regularly can also positively impact mental health. Seniors who exercise often have something to look forward to the next day, so they’re more motivated to get out of bed and embrace what’s yet to come. In addition, seniors who exercise together can motivate one another and improve their social skills as much as they benefit from gaining new perspectives on life from others. 

At-Home Exercises Seniors Can Do To Reach Their Goals

Exercising doesn’t have to require a sunny day or dry pavement. Instead, you can do the following at-home exercises to stay in shape, no matter if it’s raining cats or dogs outside: 

• Chair yoga

• Knee lifts

• Stationary biking

• Head rotations

• Foot taps

• Ankle circles

• Knee extensions

• Reverse leg lifts 

• Shoulder shrugs 

Which of these exercises will you incorporate into your routine? What exercises can you introduce to your aging loved one and practice with them?   

Stay Healthy With Right at Home Boston and North

Achieving a goal is all about staying the course, and Right at Home Boston and North caregivers are here to cheerlead our local seniors to victory. Below are additional ways we help aging loved ones in our community focus on their health: 

• Aging Women and Their Risk for Heart Disease

• Good Nutrition Helps Older Adults Combat Cognitive Decline, Alzheimer's and Dementia

• Older Adults Should Forget the New Year's Diet and Embrace Healthy Eating Instead

• Older Adult Fitness Tips for Staying Active Year-Round

• Bone Health 101: Essential Tips for Seniors To Stay Strong and Fracture-Free  

If you want to learn more about how Right at Home Boston and North can help seniors achieve their New Year’s resolutions and other goals, contact us to learn more. We offer free consultations with care coordinators who can answer your questions and provide the information necessary to make the best decision for you or an aging loved one. Alongside our care staff, you can create a customized care plan and gain peace of mind that your loved one is cared for.