Running is a high-impact activity that burns fat and calories while engaging all of the body’s major muscle groups. It’s perfect for respiratory conditioning and strength training, and the opposite arm and leg movements involved can also provide a good workout for the brain. However, to get maximum benefits from this exercise, seniors need to know how to perform it safely. Here are some tips to help your elderly loved one enjoy a safer running experience.
Get Good Running Shoes
Elderly runners need to invest in the proper running shoes for their individual needs and their chosen running surfaces. The best running shoes provide excellent shock absorption, good ankle support, and a decent range of motion for the midportion of the foot.
Choose the Right Running Surfaces
Finding a safe location for running is especially important. This determines how much shock the joints and bones will sustain and the level of air quality. Your loved one should avoid running in areas of high traffic because doing so can be hard on the body and the lungs.
Suitable running surfaces for seniors can often be found at local high schools or community colleges that make their running facilities available to the public. These tracks have built-in features for shock absorption and, unlike outdoor trails, they don’t have trip and fall hazards such as rocks and tree roots.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. For families living in Edmonton, home care service can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At InCasa Home Care Services, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Avoid Intensive Running
Your loved one should avoid training with a “do or die” attitude, even if he or she has maintained committed and rigorous workout routines throughout the years. Running is a very high-impact activity that places a considerable amount of stress on the joints and bones, even when running in shoes with optimal shock absorption.
Your loved one may want to limit running to 2 to 3 times per week while filling out the remainder of the workout plan with low-impact activities such as cycling or swimming. Your loved one can also burn the same amount of calories by opting to power walk instead, which has much less impact on the joints.
If your loved one is new to running, he or she should start slow at first. Walking for several miles at a brisk pace can eventually lead to power walking for several miles. Over time, this can become a moderate jog with short bursts of running. However, your loved one should first consult with a physician before getting started with any new running plan.
Many seniors are able to safely enjoy numerous types of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Practise Good Nutrition
Staying hydrated is critical for senior runners, as is maintaining a good electrolyte balance. Eating plenty of fresh bananas can help your loved one load up on the potassium and magnesium necessary for preventing leg cramps.
Your loved one can also use coconut water to rehydrate after exercising. This all-natural beverage has the perfect balance of electrolytes and is considered one of the healthiest ways to refresh the body after a challenging workout.
Seniors who need help exercising safely can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Edmonton in-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. InCasa Home Care Edmonton Services will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.
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