If Elderly Loved One Has Parkinson’s Disease, Here Are Some Exercises

If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s disease, there are many challenges that they might encounter. However, it is still important to make exercise a regular part of their routine. When someone has this disease, their body has more difficulties with balance and flexibility. This can make daily activities much more difficult. They might also have a higher risk for depression, constipation, and other health issues.

It is important to realize that exercising regularly can help your elderly loved one with all these issues. In fact, research shows that Parkinson’s disease patients who exercise regularly, starting right after their diagnosis, are much more likely to slow down the progression of their disease.

Home Care Thousand Oaks CA - If Elderly Loved One Has Parkinson’s Disease, Here Are Some Exercises

Home Care Thousand Oaks CA – If Elderly Loved One Has Parkinson’s Disease, Here Are Some Exercises

Best Exercises with Parkinson’s Disease

There are various exercises that can help someone who has Parkinson’s disease. It is important to realize, as a family caregiver, that your elderly loved one is gradually going to lose their balance and flexibility. Having them do exercises regularly that help to build and maintain balance and flexibility can help to slow the progression of the disease. You should help them to do exercises that build their muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and balance. Stretching, resistance training, and cardiovascular activities are all great options.

Picking Out the Best Exercises for Your Elderly Loved One

It is important that you address every concern that your elderly loved one has. They are living with Parkinson’s disease and that can be scary. You want to make sure you are setting up exercises for them that will provide the most benefits. Some of the best exercises that might help your elderly loved one include biking, Pilates, running, yoga, and other less intense exercises. Each of these exercises can help your elderly loved one to manage their symptoms.

Intensity of the Exercises

Those who have Parkinson’s disease should be exercising about the same intensity and duration as someone who doesn’t have this disease. You should encourage your elderly loved one to exercise about 30 minutes every day for 4 to 6 days a week. They don’t need to go to a gym. They can exercise in their own home. If necessary, you can even hire a home care provider to keep an eye on them while they are exercising, to make sure they are staying safe.

Beginning an Exercise Regimen

If your elderly loved one was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you should start them on an exercise regimen right away. You will want to make sure they are getting the exercise needed to help slow down the progression of this disease. They can receive physical therapy, along with doing an at-home exercise routine. Keep in mind that your elderly loved one should clear any exercise routine with their doctor first, though.

Parkinson’s disease will progress over time. However, that doesn’t mean that your elderly loved one can’t do what is needed now to help slow down the progression of the disease. Exercising regularly can help them to do that.

Sources:https://www.parkinsons.va.gov/NorthWest/Documents/Pt_ed_handouts/Exercise_for_PD_1-20-12.pdf
https://www.parkinson.org/research/Parkinsons-Outcomes-Project

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Care Services in Thousand Oaks CA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hearts Home Care today. Proudly Serving the Los Angeles & Ventura County. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (805) 371-0033, (818) 593-0094.