Join stiffness can lead to more issues in the elderly than most others. While for many, just moving about enough may ease any early
Elderly exercising
morning problems, at times this may not be enough. For those who cannot move about comfortably joint stiffness may make them move even less, and in turn may turn into a more severe issue. There are ways to help ease the pain from both general joint stiffness, (such as the discomfort from waking up) and arthritis.
Exercise has been known for a while to help with many aches and pains, plus a lot else. Those who exercise as part of their normal routine tend to be happier, and more active than their peers that don’t. It has also been know to ease a lot of different types of pain that many experience, including that of arthritis and the more general stiffness and pain that many people experience.
- Aerobic: According to the American College of Sports Medicine“Any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature.” Different types of examples of aerobic exercise can be found here. Walking, mowing the lawn, and many other more typical things many people do in normal everyday life can be a good form of aerobic exercise.
- Flexibility: Flexibility exercise are a group of movements that work towards increasing muscle function and helping many work through pain. Some good flexibility exercises for senior citizens can be found at About.com.
- Body awareness: Body awareness exercises are meant to incorporate slower movements to help someone improve balance. Examples of body awareness are, Tai chi, yoga, and many slower moving exercises.
- Strengthening: Strength-oriented exercise doesn’t have to involve barbells and a bench press. Just by sitting down and slowly lifting something lighter (under 5 pounds to start, a book or even a small weight will work fine) can help to grow stronger.
If somebody hasn’t done much exercise in the past, it is recommended to start out slow. The slower someone starts out, the more they decrease their chance of injury. However if one isn’t sure about how to get started, it may do them well to talk to a family doctor.
Tags: Aerobic exercise, Arthritis, elderly, elderly activities, elderly exercise, elderly living, Health, Health care, non medical care, Pain, Physical exercise
