Keeping an elderly diabetic physically fit and active is vital. In addition to the other health benefits regular exercise can provide, it can also keep A1C and blood glucose levels consistently lower and can prevent insulin resistance by making the body more sensitive to insulin levels. The following exercises may be helpful if your senior loved one has diabetes.
Strength Training
Strength training is a popular form of exercise because it offers many different options. Seniors can do it with no equipment by trying pushups, crunches, leg squats, and similar exercises. They can also use free weights or weight machines at home, or even go to a gym to strength train with support from a caregiver.
Strength training helps increase muscle mass, which improves insulin sensitivity and supports better blood glucose control. Healthier glucose levels may reduce the need for diabetic medication and promote overall wellness. Another important benefit for seniors is a lower risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
For optimal health, it’s essential for seniors with diabetes, including those managing type 2 or even those at risk due to genetic diabetes, to adopt healthy habits like regular exercise. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can provide guidance and motivation. Families can trust Elderly Home Care experts to help their loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer, healthier lives.
Tai Chi
A Chinese form of exercise based on slow, smooth movements with the goal of relaxing and strengthening the mind and the body, tai chi is a great choice for seniors with diabetes. In addition to increasing flexibility and mobility, tai chi has been shown to reduce and prevent nerve damage, a serious concern for diabetics.
Seniors who have had diabetes for a long time are at the greatest risk for developing nerve damage. One University of Florida study in 2009 compared a control group of diabetics who didn’t practice tai chi to a group who did so regularly. The group who practiced tai chi showed reduced nerve damage and consistently lower levels of blood sugar with fewer spikes.
Swimming
Swimming is both enjoyable and effective at any age, but it’s ideal for seniors with diabetes. Oftentimes, seniors face challenges with mobility, which is often mitigated by being buoyed by water.
Foot injuries are common in diabetics, as is the loss of sensation because of reduced blood flow in the feet. Because of this, diabetics sometimes don’t notice small injuries that can become serious and resist healing. Swimming may be a better aerobic choice than walking or jogging, since it’s gentler on feet and less likely to cause scrapes, blisters, or cuts.
If your loved one lives alone, you may not be able to monitor his or her exercise habits closely, but a professional caregiver can do this and much more. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Milwaukee seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Stationary or Traditional Bicycling
Riding a stationary bicycle means your loved one can pursue exercise regardless of the weather and doesn’t need to worry about falling, while traditional biking can help him or her maintain agility and balance. Biking in either form can be helpful for diabetics because it works the lower extremities. Diabetics tend to have difficulty with their lower extremities due to reduced blood flow to those areas, so a form of exercise that gets blood pumping to feet and legs can be vital. Likewise, biking burns calories to keep your loved one’s weight in check. Diabetics with a healthy weight are less likely to have other complications than those who are overweight.
Even seniors who face serious health challenges such as diabetes can live in safety and comfort at home with the help of trained professional caregivers. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional Home Care. Milwaukee families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Call Assisting Hands Home Care to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.
