How Seniors Can Manage Fatigue with Exercise

 

Fatigue can become a more common and persistent challenge as we age, affecting how we feel on a day-to-day basis. While physical activity might seem counterintuitive when feeling tired, regular exercise can actually help combat fatigue by increasing energy levels, improving mood, and enhancing overall health. In this article, we’ll explore how seniors can manage fatigue through exercise, drawing on expert guidelines and the resources available at the Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC).

The Importance of Regular Exercise

Fatigue can be a significant barrier to maintaining an active lifestyle, but exercise is one of the most effective tools in fighting it. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, to attain the most health benefits from physical activity, adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Adults also need muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days each week.

Regular exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue by improving cardiovascular health, increasing muscle strength, and enhancing mental well-being. By gradually building up your endurance and strength, seniors can start to feel more energized throughout the day. Let’s delve into some specific types of exercises that can help seniors manage fatigue effectively.

Aerobic Exercise (Cardio)

Aerobic exercises are activities that get the heart pumping and breathing rate up, helping to improve cardiovascular health and stamina. This type of exercise is particularly effective at combating fatigue because it increases the efficiency of your heart and lungs, allowing your body to use oxygen more effectively. Examples of aerobic exercises include running, walking, cycling, and dancing.

At JCHC’s Lester Senior Living in Morris County, residents have access to beautiful walking trails around the campus, making it easy to incorporate walking into their daily routines. Additionally, Zumba and chair dance classes are available complete with hats and canes, providing a fun and engaging way to get your cardio in while socializing with others.

Strength Training

Strength training is essential for maintaining muscle mass. It involves exercises that target major muscle groups, such as weightlifting, bodyweight exercises (like push-ups and squats), resistance band workouts, and using weight machines. Engaging in strength training at least twice a week can help prevent the muscle loss that often accompanies aging, making everyday tasks easier and reducing feelings of fatigue.

JCHC’s Village Apartments and Lester Senior Living are equipped with state-of-the-art fitness centers that provide a variety of machines and equipment, making it convenient for residents to incorporate strength training in their lives each week. We also have trained personnel on site 24/7 to oversee residents using the fitness centers to ensure they have the support they need to stay strong, energized, and most of all – safe.

Flexibility Exercises

Flexibility exercises are crucial for maintaining a good range of motion in your joints, which can help prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of injury. Stretching exercises, yoga, and Pilates are all excellent ways to improve flexibility. By keeping your muscles and joints flexible, you can move more easily and feel less fatigued throughout the day.

At Lester Senior Living, residents can participate in chair yoga and morning stretch classes, which are designed to help maintain flexibility and keep residents nimble. These classes are tailored to accommodate different fitness levels, ensuring that everyone can benefit from these gentle yet effective exercises.

Balance and Stability Exercises

Having good balance and stability becomes increasingly important to reduce the risk of falls and improve overall functional movement. Exercises that focus on balance and stability, such as tai chi, certain yoga poses, and specific balance drills, can help enhance coordination and reduce fatigue by making movements more efficient.

Lester Senior Living offers classes like “Balance and Mindfulness,” which is designed to improve posture, enhance cognitive skills, and promote overall balance. These classes are an excellent way for seniors to stay steady on their feet and feel more confident in their ADLs (activities of daily living).

Staying Active at JCHC Senior Living Communities in NJ

At Lester Senior Living and Village Apartments, we are committed to helping our residents stay active and healthy. Our fitness centers and organized exercise classes are available every day, making it easy for seniors to incorporate regular physical activity into their lives. We offer a variety of classes tailored to different fitness levels and needs, including “Sit and Be Fit” for those with mobility limitations, Zumba for a full-body workout, and yoga for improving flexibility and reducing stress.

Staying active is one of the best ways to manage fatigue and improve overall well-being. To learn more about how we keep seniors moving in New Jersey, please give us a call or visit our website at https://jchcorp.org

Original Source: https://jchcorp.org/how-seniors-can-manage-fatigue-with-exercise/