Finding fun and safe summer activities for seniors can be a bit tough, especially for residents of our memory care assisted living in Oceanside. Due to the possible extreme heat conditions and risk of sun exposure, you want to be mindful about which activities you choose. Thankfully, however, we have a suggestion you are sure to love: swimming!
Taking a dip in a nice, refreshing pool isn’t just a fun activity for children, but rather something that folks of all ages can enjoy. Not only is the water perfect for cooling down on a hot day, but it is actually good for joint health and a fun, low impact way to stay active. Not to mention the added benefit of socialization and spending time with friends and family.
Interested in learning more about how seniors can benefit from spending time in the pool? Our staff here at the memory care assisted living in Oceanside has some information you won’t want to miss out on!
1.) A Low Impact Workout
As we age, our bodies tend to suffer from a little wear and tear. Our joints get stiff, becoming more prone to conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. When this happens, it can make it difficult and even painful to move normally, let alone exercise. Thankfully, this is where swimming comes in, as it is a low-impact activity that actually takes the pressure off of the spine, knees, and hips. This is because the buoyancy of water reduces the effect of gravity.
You don’t just have to swim in a pool though! There are fun water aerobics classes that one can take, or even just walking around in the shallow end can be beneficial. Don’t worry, no one is expecting you to be Michael Phelps. Just go out and enjoy yourself!
2.) Better Flexibility and Improved Range of Motion
If you have ever had a knee or hip replacement, or have injured these joints in the past, you understand how painful it can be. Not only that, but typically range of motion can be limited as well. This means that it is extremely difficult to do everything you did before.
When moving through water, once again the buoyancy is on our side. Typically, we can achieve full range of motion while in the pool, even if mobility was limited before. This will help keep joints supple. Plus, stretching in the water can actually improve flexibility!
3.) Decrease the Risks of Falls
Falling is the leading cause of accidental death among senior citizens. This means about one in every four seniors fall each year, according to the CDC website. When it comes to avoiding this, prevention is key. Of course, making sure your senior’s home is well lit and free of trip hazards and cords can help. But it is also important to keep the body strong!
Many seniors fall due in part to poor joint health or conditions such as osteoporosis. Swimming works all muscle groups in the body, but especially the upper back and shoulders, the core, and legs. Each of these play a key role in posture and stability. According to one study conducted in Australia, they found that men who swam were 33% less likely to suffer from a fall.
4.) Improved Cardiovascular Health
Heart and cardiovascular health is extremely important, especially as we get older. Conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and even strokes and heart attacks are always a cause for concern. Swimming helps to provide cardiovascular and aerobic exercises, both of which are very good for the heart. Engaging in these types of activities can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If this is a concern of yours, then it’s time to hit the pool!
5.) Spend Time with Friends
Sure, swimming is a sport you can do alone, but it doesn’t mean that you have to! Socialization is very vital to a senior’s health and well being. Attending a weekly water aerobics class, going to a pool party, or simply just wading around the shallow end with a dear friend can be an excellent way to talk and socialize.
Plus, going with a friend is a great way to stay motivated and accountable. You can push each other to do better as well as provide encouragement through any rough spots. Working out with someone you care about always makes the time go by faster, too! Talk, catch up, and go for a nice swim with a buddy and be sure to note the difference it makes for your physical and mental health.
Wrap Up
Swimming is an excellent way for seniors to stay in shape. Spending time in the water helps with joint health as well as improving flexibility and range of motion. It is a low impact working, meaning that just about anyone can participate, even those with mobility issues. It can dramatically improve cardiovascular health while also working to prevent falls. And the best part is, you can do it all while spending time with your friends!
If you are on the hunt for the perfect summer activity that is safe and fun, then swimming is definitely for you. Just remember the sunscreen if you are in an outdoor pool!
Memory Care Assisted Living in Oceanside
Here at Heritage Hills, memory care is all we do. We understand the importance of keeping our residents safe while still being active and involved. That is why we have a specially curated monthly calendar of events and activities designed with our residents in mind. Enrichment, movement, and stimulation are all key factors behind what we do.
If you are interested in learning more about our community, contact us today! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have as well as even set up a time to have you take a tour of our facility. We want our memory care assisted living in Oceanside to be your next home away from home.
