5 Benefits of Cycling for Older Adults

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Ways Seniors Can Benefit from Cycling in Amarillo, TX

Cycling can be beneficial for seniors who want to enhance or maintain their health. If your aging loved one wants to exercise, consider introducing him or her to this sport. Here are five benefits of cycling for seniors. 

1. Enhances Balance & Coordination

Seniors are susceptible to balance and coordination issues, which could lead to falls, broken bones, and other injuries. Research shows older adults who ride bikes see an increase in their balance and coordination over time. However, seniors with limited mobility may require some assistance with exercising. 

Elderly 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.

2. Strengthens the Lower Body

As seniors age, their muscles tend to weaken. Even older adults who work out regularly may not have the strength to lift weights with their legs. Cycling is an excellent way to increase strength in the legs, hips, and pelvis as well as in the surrounding tendons, ligaments, and bones. 

3. Provides Low-Impact Physical Activity

For seniors with arthritis or other joint conditions, particularly in the knees and ankles, cycling may be the ideal exercise. This low-impact workout doesn’t require putting much weight on the joints. Some doctors recommend seniors take up cycling to regain their physical abilities after orthopedic surgery. 

4. Reduces Anxiety & Depression

Seniors are at risk for anxiety and depression, which often comes from feeling isolated or lonely. Cycling releases feel-good hormones that combat depression. If your loved one rides a bike outdoors, being around nature can also boost his or her mood. The activity provides a great way for seniors to meet new friends or spend time with family, which can relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

Depression and anxiety might also be symptoms of dementia or other forms of cognitive decline. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. Amarillo families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

5. Provides Exercise for Seniors with Different Mobility Levels

Seniors with limited mobility can work out on stationary bicycles. Those who are new to the exercise can take it easy, and those who are in better shape can try more intense workouts. If your loved one is comfortable going outside, he or she can go cycling in parks, on trails, and through the neighborhood. Help your loved one find a high-quality helmet and pads to protect against injury in the event of a fall. 

Regular exercise can help seniors stave off a variety of age-related health conditions. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Amarillo, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (806) 803-9991 to learn more about our customized care plans.

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